Brief Overview of Δαιμονίζομαι (G1139: Daimonizomai)

Daimonizomai (pronounced dye-moh-NEE-zoh-my, δαιμονίζομαι) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1139. The word is derived from the root δαιμόνιον (daimonion), meaning “demon” or “evil spirit.” Daimonizomai means “to be demon-possessed” or “to be under the power or influence of a demon.” In its primary usage, Daimonizomai refers to individuals who are afflicted, controlled, or tormented by demons. This term is commonly used in the New Testament to describe those who were healed by Jesus from demonic possession, highlighting the spiritual battles and the power of Jesus over evil spirits.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Daimonizomai is defined as “to be demon-possessed” or “to be under the control of a demon.” BDAG emphasizes that the term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who were afflicted by evil spirits, often resulting in physical and mental suffering. The lexicon notes that Daimonizomai is a verb that conveys the idea of being overwhelmed or controlled by demonic forces, leading to a state of spiritual and physical oppression.

Thayer’s Lexicon supports this interpretation, describing Daimonizomai as “to be possessed by a demon” or “to be under demonic influence.” Thayer’s highlights that the term is used frequently in the Gospels to describe those whom Jesus healed by casting out demons. The lexicon also notes that Daimonizomai is associated with a variety of symptoms, including physical ailments, mental disturbances, and social isolation, all attributed to the presence of demonic forces.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon defines Daimonizomai as “to be possessed or inspired by a demon.” LSJ emphasizes that the term was used in ancient Greek literature to describe individuals who were believed to be under the influence of supernatural beings, often leading to unusual or uncontrollable behavior. The lexicon notes that in the New Testament context, Daimonizomai specifically refers to possession by evil spirits rather than benign or neutral spiritual beings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Daimonizomai as “to be demon-possessed,” focusing on its use in the New Testament to refer to those who were afflicted by demons. The concordance highlights that Daimonizomai appears in several passages where Jesus casts out demons, emphasizing His authority over evil spirits and the deliverance He brings to those who are oppressed.

Daimonizomai is directly mentioned in several New Testament passages. For example, in Matthew 4:24, the text states, “So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons (δαιμονιζομένους), epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.” Another significant reference is in Mark 5:15, where Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons, who is described as being in his right mind after Jesus casts out the demons.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Daimonizomai is less commonly used, but when it appears, it typically refers to individuals who are believed to be under the influence of supernatural beings, including both gods and demons. One example can be found in the works of Plutarch, where Daimonizomai is used to describe individuals who exhibit unusual behavior, often attributed to divine or demonic influence. This usage reflects the broader Greek belief in spiritual beings that could influence human actions and behavior.

Another example is from Homer, where the concept of divine or supernatural influence is prevalent, although the specific term Daimonizomai is not used. However, the idea of being controlled or inspired by supernatural forces, whether benevolent or malevolent, is a common theme, illustrating the ancient belief in the power of spiritual beings over human affairs.

A third example is in the writings of Xenophon, where encounters with supernatural beings, including demons, are described in the context of omens, prophecies, and other spiritual phenomena. Although Daimonizomai is not explicitly used, the concept of demonic influence is implied in these narratives, reflecting the cultural understanding of spiritual forces.

Summary

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Daimonizomai (pronounced dye-moh-NEE-zoh-my, δαιμονίζομαι) is a Greek verb meaning “to be demon-possessed” or “to be under the influence of a demon.” Derived from δαιμόνιον (daimonion, meaning “demon”), the term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are afflicted or controlled by evil spirits. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ describe Daimonizomai as conveying a state of spiritual and physical oppression caused by demonic forces, highlighting the importance of Jesus’ ministry in casting out demons and bringing deliverance. While Daimonizomai is less commonly used in classical Greek literature, the concept of supernatural influence over human behavior is well-documented, reflecting the ancient belief in spiritual beings that could affect human lives. The term’s usage in the New Testament underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of Jesus over all evil forces.