δαιμονίζομαι (daimonizomai)
daimonizomai
be demonised
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb daimonizomai describes a state of being under the power or influence of a demon. It appears thirteen times in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Rather than indicating a mere mental illness or moral failing, the term signifies an external spiritual oppression that controls the individual’s faculties.
Most occurrences use the present participle form, such as in Matthew 4:24 and Mark 1:32, where large crowds are described as suffering from this condition. This grammatical choice emphasizes an ongoing, active state of possession rather than a single past event. The word is distinct from simply being "demonized" in a modern slang sense; it carries the weight of ancient understanding regarding spiritual authority and human vulnerability.
A notable instance occurs in John 10:21, where some listeners question Jesus’ identity by pointing to a man who was daimonizomai. They argue that a demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, using the term to challenge the nature of his miracles. This usage highlights how early audiences viewed such conditions as significant spiritual conflicts requiring divine intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word daimonizomai points to a profound reality: we are not alone in our struggles, and no darkness is beyond the reach of Jesus. In the Gospels, this term describes people who were oppressed by spiritual forces, often losing their voice, sight, or peace. It reminds us that some battles are deeper than simple illness or bad habits; they are spiritual conflicts where human strength fails.
Yet the story never ends with oppression. Every time this word appears, it is immediately followed by Jesus’ power to restore. He does not just manage symptoms; He breaks chains and brings wholeness. When you face situations that feel overwhelming or out of control, this word offers hope. It shows that Jesus has authority over every hidden force and that He cares enough to step into the chaos and bring light.
This truth invites us to look to Him with confidence. Whether your struggle is internal or external, His power is sufficient. You do not have to fight these battles in isolation or fear. The same Lord who calmed the storm and healed the demon-possessed stands with you, offering peace that surpasses understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being demonised4×
- those being demonised1×
- of one demonised;1×
- is demonised.1×
- having been demonised.1×
- having been demonised1×
- demonised.1×
- being demonised;1×
- being demonised.1×
- [one] being demonised1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δαιμονιζομένους2×
- δαιμονίζεται.¶1×
- δαιμονισθείς.1×
- δαιμονισθεὶς1×
- δαιμονιζόμενος1×
- δαιμονιζόμενον.1×
- δαιμονιζόμενον1×
- δαιμονιζόμενοι1×
- δαιμονιζομένῳ1×
- δαιμονιζομένων.1×
- δαιμονιζομένους·1×
- δαιμονιζομένου·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:16
When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
This verse shows Jesus casting out spirits 'with a word,' highlighting His absolute authority over spiritual forces without physical effort.
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Mark 5:15
They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.
Here the formerly possessed man is described as 'sitting, clothed, and in his right mind,' demonstrating the complete restoration of dignity and sanity through Jesus.
-
John 10:21
Others said, “These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn’t possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?”
Listeners use this term to debate Jesus’ identity, noting that a demon cannot perform miracles like opening blind eyes, which points to His divine nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does daimonizomai mean in the Bible?
Is daimonizomai the same as mental illness?
Why does John 10:21 use this word?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 7 verses
The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases…
Matthew 8:16When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all…
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 8:33Those who fed them fled and went away into the city and told everything, including what happened to those who were…
Matthew 9:32As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
Matthew 12:22Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him; and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man…
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…