"pr. examination by torture; torment, torture, Rev. 9:5; 14:11; 18:7, 10, 15*"
Definition and meaning
pr. examination by torture; torment, torture, Rev. 9:5; 14:11; 18:7, 10, 15*
In the original Greek the word is written: βασανισμός
Historical context
Domitian required people across the empire to address him as Dominus et Deus — Lord and God. Christians who refused to burn incense before the emperor's image faced economic exclusion and imprisonment. The book was written in apocalyptic imagery that believers would recognize but Roman authorities would not — a letter of resistance written to people being crushed by the most powerful empire on earth.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of basanismos (G929) across the King James Bible.
And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
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Common questions
Strong's G929 (basanismos) is a Greek word that means: pr. examination by torture; torment, torture, Rev. 9:5; 14:11; 18:7, 10, 15* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word basanismos (G929) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G929 is basanismos, a Greek word defined as: pr. examination by torture; torment, torture, Rev. 9:5; 14:11; 18:7, 10, 15*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
basanismos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.