Brief Overview of Δαιμόνιον (G1140: Daimonion)

Daimonion (pronounced dye-MOH-nee-on, δαιμόνιον) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1140. The term is derived from the root word δαίμων (daimōn), which refers to a supernatural being or spirit, often with a neutral or even positive connotation in ancient Greek culture. However, in the context of the New Testament, Daimonion is used specifically to refer to an “evil spirit” or “demon.” The word Daimonion is commonly associated with malevolent spiritual entities that oppose God and afflict humans, leading to various forms of spiritual, mental, and physical oppression.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Daimonion is defined as “a demon” or “an evil spirit.” BDAG emphasizes that in the New Testament, Daimonion always carries a negative connotation, referring to malevolent supernatural beings that possess, torment, or influence individuals. The lexicon notes that Daimonion is frequently mentioned in the Gospels, where Jesus demonstrates His authority by casting out these evil spirits, thereby freeing those who are oppressed.

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Thayer’s Lexicon agrees with this interpretation, describing Daimonion as “an evil spirit” or “a demon.” Thayer’s highlights that in ancient Greek culture, Daimonion could refer to any spirit, good or bad, but in the New Testament, it exclusively refers to harmful entities. The lexicon underscores the association of Daimonion with the demonic realm, where these spirits serve as agents of Satan, working against God’s purposes and causing suffering among humans.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader definition of Daimonion, noting that in classical Greek literature, it could refer to a deity, a divine being, or a lesser god. However, LSJ also recognizes the transition of the term’s meaning in Jewish and Christian contexts, where Daimonion came to represent an evil spirit or demon, in opposition to God and His people.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Daimonion as “a demon” or “an evil spirit,” focusing on its use in the New Testament to refer to malevolent beings that possess or afflict individuals. The concordance highlights that Daimonion appears frequently in passages where Jesus casts out demons, emphasizing the spiritual warfare between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil.

Daimonion is mentioned in numerous New Testament passages. For example, in Mark 1:34, the text states, “And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons (δαιμόνια).” Another key verse is in Luke 4:41, where “Demons (δαιμόνια) also came out of many, crying, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.” These passages illustrate the power and authority of Jesus over evil spirits.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Daimonion was often used to refer to a divine or supernatural being, not necessarily evil. One example is found in the works of Homer, where Daimonion can refer to a god or a spirit, often associated with fate or divine intervention in human affairs. In this context, the term does not carry the negative connotations it later acquires in Jewish and Christian writings.

Another example is in the writings of Plato, who uses Daimonion to describe a divine spirit or guiding force that influences human decisions. Plato’s Daimonion is generally seen as a positive or neutral influence, acting as a voice of conscience or divine guidance rather than an evil entity.

A third example is from Xenophon, who refers to Daimonion in a similar manner, describing it as a supernatural force that offers guidance or protection. Like in Plato’s works, Xenophon’s use of Daimonion does not imply malevolence but rather a mysterious or divine influence over human actions.

Summary

Daimonion (pronounced dye-MOH-nee-on, δαιμόνιον) is a Greek noun meaning “demon” or “evil spirit,” derived from δαίμων (daimōn), which originally referred to a supernatural being or spirit. While Daimonion could have a neutral or even positive meaning in classical Greek literature, its usage in the New Testament is exclusively negative, referring to malevolent spiritual entities that oppose God and afflict humans. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ describe Daimonion as an evil spirit or demon, emphasizing its role in the spiritual warfare depicted in the New Testament. In classical Greek literature, Daimonion was used more broadly to refer to divine or supernatural beings, but in Jewish and Christian contexts, the term came to represent the forces of evil that Jesus confronts and defeats. Daimonion plays a significant role in the New Testament narrative, highlighting the authority of Jesus over the demonic realm and His power to deliver those who are oppressed by these malevolent spirits.