δαίμων (daimōn)
daimōn
demon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word daimōn refers to a supernatural being, specifically an evil spirit or demon in the New Testament context. While classical Greek used it for any deity, the biblical authors reserve it for malevolent entities that oppose God’s order. This shift reflects the early Christian view that pagan gods were not divine but rather deceptive spiritual forces.
In Scripture, this term appears only twice, both in the Gospels where Jesus encounters individuals possessed by such spirits (Matthew 8:31; Mark 5:2). The sources note its root relates to distributing fortunes, yet the biblical usage strips away any neutral or positive connotation, framing these beings as agents of chaos and oppression. Translators consistently render it "demon" to distinguish it from general spiritual concepts.
This narrow usage highlights the New Testament’s clear distinction between the power of God and the forces of darkness. By identifying these entities as daimōn, the texts emphasize their subordinate, destructive nature rather than any inherent divinity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The New Testament uses the word daimōn to describe spiritual forces that actively oppose God’s order and bring chaos to human lives. In the Gospels, these entities are not portrayed as independent gods or neutral spirits, but as deceptive powers seeking to harm and oppress. When Jesus encounters individuals possessed by them, He does not negotiate with their status; instead, He exercises absolute authority over their actions and destinations.
For believers today, this distinction offers profound comfort. It clarifies that the struggles against darkness are not fought with vague spiritual ambiguity, but against defined enemies who are already defeated by Christ. You can trust in His power to protect you from such forces, knowing that no scheme of deception stands a chance against His command.
This understanding invites you to rest in the certainty of Jesus’ lordship over all creation. Whether facing internal turmoil or external opposition, the same authority that silenced these spirits remains available to sustain your faith and bring peace to your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the demons1×
- demons1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δαίμονες2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:31
The demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs.”
This verse shows the demons acknowledging Jesus’ power to cast them out, yet pleading for a specific destination, revealing their limited agency and desire to cause harm.
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Mark 5:12
All the demons begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.”
Here, the collective plea of 'all the demons' highlights their unified intent to enter the pigs, demonstrating their destructive nature even when restricted by Christ’s permission.