Brief Overview of Δαίμων (G1142: Daimōn)

Daimōn (pronounced DYE-moan, δαίμων) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1142. The term is derived from the same root as δαιμόνιον (daimonion), meaning “demon” or “spirit.” In classical Greek, Daimōn referred broadly to a supernatural being or spirit, often seen as a deity or guiding force that could be either good or evil. However, in later Jewish and Christian contexts, the term took on a predominantly negative connotation, referring specifically to malevolent spirits or demons that oppose God and afflict humans.

Scripture References

Daimōn is less commonly used in the New Testament compared to its derivative δαιμόνιον. However, it appears in passages that discuss the nature of demons and their influence:

1. Matthew 8:31: “And the demons (δαιμόνες) begged him, saying, ‘If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.'”
2. Revelation 16:14: “For they are demonic (δαίμονες) spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.”
3. Luke 8:29: “For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, he had broken his bonds and been driven by the demon (δαίμων) into solitary places.”

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Daimōn is defined as “a supernatural spirit or demon,” with a strong emphasis on its usage in the New Testament to refer to malevolent beings that afflict humans. BDAG explains that while the term originally had a broader and often more neutral meaning in Greek literature, it became more specifically associated with evil spirits in Jewish and Christian texts. This shift reflects the growing theological focus on the battle between good and evil, where demons are seen as adversaries of God and His people.

Thayer’s Lexicon supports this interpretation, describing Daimōn as “a demon” or “an evil spirit.” Thayer’s highlights that in classical usage, Daimōn could refer to both good and bad spirits, but in the New Testament, it consistently refers to malevolent beings. The lexicon points out that Daimōn is often associated with possession, spiritual warfare, and the opposition to divine purposes.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader historical context, noting that Daimōn originally referred to a deity or lesser god, often seen as a guiding or protective spirit in Greek mythology. LSJ explains that the term could also describe a person’s fate or destiny, believed to be controlled by these supernatural entities. However, as the word transitioned into Jewish and Christian contexts, it became associated more narrowly with evil spirits.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Daimōn as “a demon” or “an evil spirit,” focusing on its negative connotations in the New Testament. The concordance notes that Daimōn is often used to describe beings that are in opposition to God, involved in the possession of individuals, and responsible for various forms of spiritual and physical affliction.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Daimōn was a term used with a much broader range of meanings than in later Christian writings. One example is in Homer’s “Iliad,” where Daimōn is used to refer to gods or divine beings that influence human affairs, often in a neutral or even positive sense. These beings were considered intermediaries between gods and humans, guiding or controlling destiny.

Another example can be found in the works of Plato, where Daimōn is often used to describe a guiding spirit or an internal voice that leads a person toward wisdom or moral decisions. Plato’s famous “daimonion” was a spiritual guide that he claimed helped him make decisions throughout his life, reflecting the idea of a personal deity or guardian spirit.

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A third example is from Sophocles, who uses Daimōn in his tragedies to refer to the forces of fate and destiny. In these contexts, the Daimōn could be either benevolent or malevolent, depending on the will of the gods and the circumstances of the characters involved.

Summary

Daimōn (pronounced DYE-moan, δαίμων) is a Greek noun meaning “demon” or “supernatural spirit.” Originally, in classical Greek literature, Daimōn referred to a wide range of supernatural beings, including deities, protective spirits, and forces of fate. These beings could be good, neutral, or evil, depending on their actions and the context in which they appeared. However, in the New Testament and Christian literature, the term Daimōn became specifically associated with malevolent spirits or demons that oppose God and afflict humans. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight this shift in meaning, emphasizing the term’s role in the spiritual warfare depicted in the New Testament. In classical Greek literature, Daimōn had a broader and more neutral usage, often associated with divine guidance, fate, or destiny. The transition of Daimōn from a general term for spiritual beings to a specific reference to evil spirits in Christian contexts underscores the theological evolution of the concept of demons in the ancient world.