βασανιστής (basanistēs)
basanistēs
torturer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun basanistēs refers to a torturer or tormentor, specifically describing an official who inflicts pain to extract information or enforce obedience. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 18:34, where it identifies the cruel servant whom the king hands over to this figure after refusing to cancel his massive debt.
The word derives from basanizō, which originally meant to test the purity of metal by rubbing it on a touchstone. Over time, the meaning shifted toward testing through severe pressure or pain. This context clarifies why the term applies to a jailer; in ancient legal systems, imprisonment often involved physical coercion and harsh conditions managed by such officials.
Translators typically render this word as "torturer" or "jailer," capturing the dual role of confinement and suffering. The image is stark: a debtor left in the hands of an agent whose job was to break resistance through pain. This single usage highlights the severity of divine judgment when mercy is rejected.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word basanistēs appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 18:34. It describes a torturer or jailer who inflicts pain to enforce payment of a debt. In this parable, a servant refuses to show mercy to a fellow debtor and is handed over to this figure. The image is stark: confinement combined with severe pressure until the debt is fully paid.
This story highlights the seriousness of forgiveness in our relationships. When we refuse to forgive others, we place ourselves in a position where we face judgment without mercy. God’s grace covers our massive debt, but we are called to extend that same grace to those who wrong us. Rejecting this call leaves us exposed to the consequences of our own hardness.
Understanding this word reminds us that forgiveness is not optional for believers. It flows from the mercy we have received. When we choose to forgive, we reflect the character of God and avoid the harshness that comes from holding onto resentment. This choice brings peace and aligns our hearts with His will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- jailers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βασανισταῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 18:34
His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him.
This verse identifies the specific figure who enforces the debtor's punishment, illustrating the severe consequences of refusing to show mercy.