"pr. an inquisitor, tormentor; in NT a keeper of a prison, jailer, Mt. 18:34*"
Definition and meaning
pr. an inquisitor, tormentor; in NT a keeper of a prison, jailer, Mt. 18:34*
In the original Greek the word is written: βασανιστής
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
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 basanistes (G930) across the King James Bible.
And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G930 (basanistes) is a Greek word that means: pr. an inquisitor, tormentor; in NT a keeper of a prison, jailer, Mt. 18:34* It appears 1 times in the King James Bible.
The word basanistes (G930) appears 1 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G930 is basanistes, a Greek word defined as: pr. an inquisitor, tormentor; in NT a keeper of a prison, jailer, Mt. 18:34*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
basanistes is a Greek word found in the New Testament.