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Matthew 4:24

Footnote:

11

Tormented by Touchstones, Hemmed In, Paralyzed, Weak, and Moonstruck

The Greek word "βάσανος" (basanos) refers to a "test" or "trial" in ancient Greek literature. However, in later usage, especially in Hellenistic and New Testament Greek, its meaning shifted more towards "torment" or "torture."

Here's a bit more detail:

  1. In Ancient Greek:

    • Originally, "βάσανος" (basanos) referred to a touchstone, a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the streak left on the stone when it was rubbed with the metal.
    • From this idea of testing the purity of metals, "βάσανος" came to be used metaphorically for any kind of test or trial.

  2. In Later Usage:

    • By the Hellenistic period and especially in the New Testament, "βάσανος" (basanos) came to carry the connotation of severe testing or torment, especially in the context of interrogation or punishment.
    • It is often used to describe the suffering or torment inflicted on individuals, whether physical or psychological.

In the New Testament, "βάσανος" (basanos) is notably used in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:23) to describe the torment experienced by the rich man in Hadess

Impossible Standards. Metaphorically, a touchstone has come to represent a standard or criterion by which someone can be judged or evaluated. Just as the purity of metals could be assessed by their reaction to the touchstone, the metaphorical touchstone serves as a measure against which people can be compared or judged. This is the idea behind putting to the test/tempting.

The Greek word "συνεχομένους" (synechomenous), derived from the verb "συνέχω" (synechō), can indeed convey the sense of being "pressed" or "held together" in a figurative sense, often implying being "pressed on all sides" or "hemmed in." In this context, where it's used in the phrase "συνεχομένους ποικίλαις νόσοις καὶ βασάνοις," it's translated as "afflicted."

The Greek word "δαιμονιζομένους" (daimonizomenous) comes from the root "δαιμονίζομαι" (daimonizomai), which means "to be demonized." It is a word only found in the New Testament, and not elsewhere (cf. Middle Liddell) Interpretations of this therefore depend on bias. Particularly related to insanities, oppressive spirit(s), severe illnesses and the like.