Original Word: βασανιστής
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: basanistés
Pronunciation: bah-sah-nis-TAYS
Phonetic Spelling: (bas-an-is-tace')
Definition: one who tortures, a tormentor, jailor.
Meaning: A torturer, one who inflicts pain or torment.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb βασανίζω (basanizō), meaning "to torture" or "to torment."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for βασανιστής, the concept of a tormentor or one who inflicts punishment can be related to several Hebrew terms associated with judgment and punishment. Some related Hebrew concepts include:

• יָסַר (yasar) • to discipline, chasten, or punish.
• נָקַם (naqam) • to avenge or take vengeance.
• עָנָה (anah) • to afflict or oppress.

These Hebrew terms reflect similar themes of judgment and punishment found in the Old Testament, providing a broader biblical context for understanding the role of a βασανιστής.

Usage: The term βασανιστής is used in the New Testament to describe someone who inflicts punishment or torment. It appears in contexts related to judgment and punishment.

Context: The Greek term βασανιστής (basanistēs) is found in the New Testament in the context of divine judgment and punishment. It is used to describe a figure who enacts punishment, often in a metaphorical or illustrative sense. The term is notably used in the parable of the unforgiving servant in the Gospel of Matthew.

In Matthew 18:34 (BSB), the term is used as follows: "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed." Here, βασανιστής is translated as "jailers" or "torturers," illustrating the severe consequences of the servant's lack of mercy. The parable emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the serious nature of divine justice.

The concept of βασανιστής is rooted in the broader biblical theme of judgment and the consequences of sin. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of divine retribution and the need for repentance and forgiveness. The use of this term in the New Testament underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the ultimate accountability each person faces.

Cognate: 930 basanistḗs (from 928 /basanízō) – a guard in a prison "whose function was to torture prisoners as a phase of judicial examination – prison guard, torturer" (L & N, 1, 37.126). See 928 (basanizō).

Word Origin
from basanizó
Definition
a torturer
NASB Translation
torturers (1).

STRONGS NT 930: βασανιστής

βασανιστής, βασανιστου, ὁ (βασανίζω), one who elicits the truth by the use of the rack, an inquisitor, torturer, ((Antiphon, others); Demosthenes, p. 978, 11; Philo in Flacc. § 11 end; (de concupisc. § 1; quod omn. prob. book 16; Plutarch, an vitios. ad infel. suff. § 2)); used in Matthew 18:34 of a jailer (δεσμοφύλαξ Acts 16:23), doubtless because the business of torturing was also assigned to him.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

tormentor.

From basanizo; a torturer -- tormentor.

see GREEK basanizo

Forms and Transliterations

βασανισταις βασανισταίς βασανισταῖς basanistais basanistaîs

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts