βασκαίνω (baskainō)
baskainō
to bewitch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb baskainō refers to casting an evil spell or bewitching someone, often through the power of a malicious glance known as "the evil eye." In classical usage it could also mean to slander, but in Scripture its primary sense is supernatural influence that blinds or distorts judgment. The word appears only once in the New Testament, where Paul uses it to express shock at the Galatians’ sudden shift away from the gospel.
Paul writes, "Who has bewitched you?" (Galatians 3:1), suggesting that the false teachers had exerted a deceptive influence so strong it seemed almost magical. This vivid metaphor highlights how quickly they abandoned the truth of Christ’s cross for a different message. The term carries weight not just as intellectual error, but as a spiritual deception that clouds perception and leads people astray from foundational Christian teaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word baskainō appears only once in Scripture, carrying a vivid image of spiritual deception. Paul uses it to describe how the Galatians were suddenly drawn away from the clear truth of the cross. It suggests that false teaching can act like a spell, clouding our vision and distorting what we see.
This reminds us that our faith must rest on the plain reality of Jesus Christ, not on persuasive arguments or hidden wisdom. When we fix our eyes on Him as crucified for us, no deceptive influence can take hold. The truth sets us free from confusion and keeps our hearts steady in grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- has bewitched1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐβάσκανεν1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 3:1
Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified?
Paul uses this rare word to express shock at how quickly the Galatians abandoned the clear message of Christ's crucifixion for a different gospel.