Understanding δαιμόνιον (daimonion) Strong’s G1140: The Spiritual Entities that Reveal God’s Supreme Authority and Christ’s Victory

Pronunciation Guide: dah-ee-MON-ee-on

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1140: The Greek word δαιμόνιον (daimonion) refers to a supernatural spirit being that is lesser than God but greater than humans, typically understood as evil or unclean spirits in New Testament usage. These spirits are portrayed as having the ability to possess or influence humans, causing various forms of suffering and oppression. In the New Testament context, δαιμόνιον consistently represents malevolent spiritual entities that are in opposition to God’s kingdom and under the authority of Satan.

Etymology and Morphology

• Neuter noun derived from δαίμων (daimōn)
• Pre-Christian Greek origin where it had a broader meaning
• Found predominantly in narrative sections, particularly the Gospels
• Appears 63 times in the New Testament
• Often paired with verbs like “cast out” (ἐκβάλλω) or “have” (ἔχω)

δαιμόνιον Morphology:

• δαιμόνιον (nominative singular) – a demon, evil spirit
• δαιμονίου (genitive singular) – of a demon
• δαιμονίῳ (dative singular) – to/with a demon
• δαιμόνια (nominative/accusative plural) – demons, evil spirits
• δαιμονίων (genitive plural) – of demons
• δαιμονίοις (dative plural) – to/with demons

Origin & History

The term δαιμόνιον has a fascinating etymological journey. In classical Greek literature, it had a much broader application than in the New Testament. In pre-Christian Greek thought, as evidenced in the works of Plato and other philosophers, δαιμόνιον could refer to divine beings or intermediary spirits that were not inherently evil. Plato, in his “Apology,” describes Socrates’ “daimonion” as a kind of divine voice or sign that would warn him against certain actions.

The Septuagint (LXX) marks a significant shift in usage. When Jewish scholars translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, they used δαιμόνιον to translate שֵׁדִים (shedim) in Psalm 106:37, referring to false gods or idols. This translation choice reflects the Jewish monotheistic perspective that viewed pagan deities not as non-existent but as demonic entities. By the time of the New Testament, this negative connotation had become firmly established in Jewish thought, explaining why the term is exclusively used for evil spirits in the Gospel narratives and other New Testament writings.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Malevolent spiritual entity that can possess or oppress humans
• Supernatural being subservient to Satan and opposed to God’s kingdom
• Entity with limited spiritual power that can cause physical or mental affliction
• Spirit being that recognizes and fears divine authority
• False god or object of pagan worship (primarily in Old Testament context)

δαιμόνιον Translation Options:

• Demon – The most common English translation, accurately conveying the malevolent nature of these entities in New Testament usage
• Evil spirit – Emphasizes the spiritual nature and moral character of these beings
• Unclean spirit – Highlights the ritual impurity and moral corruption associated with these entities in Jewish thought
• False god/idol – Appropriate in Old Testament contexts when referring to pagan deities
• Demonic power – When the emphasis is on the influence rather than the entity itself

Biblical Usage

The predominant usage of δαιμόνιον in the New Testament occurs in exorcism narratives, where Jesus and later His disciples demonstrate authority over these spiritual entities. The Gospels present δαιμόνια as recognizing Jesus’ divine identity and authority, often before humans do, suggesting a spiritual perception that transcends physical limitations. Their fear and submission to Jesus serves as a powerful testimony to His messianic identity and divine nature.

Matthew’s Gospel introduces δαιμόνιον in the context of false prophets who claim to cast out demons in Jesus’ name (Matthew 7:22), highlighting that spiritual power over demons alone is not evidence of true discipleship. Luke’s Gospel particularly emphasizes Jesus’ authority over demons as evidence of the kingdom of God breaking into the world (Luke 11:20). Paul, while acknowledging the reality of these beings, warns against any association with them, particularly in the context of idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).

• “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out δαιμόνια [demons]?'” Matthew 7:22
• “The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the δαιμόνια [demons] are subject to us in Your name.'” Luke 10:17
• “But if I cast out δαιμόνια [demons] by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Luke 11:20
• “No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to δαιμονίοις [demons] and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in δαιμονίων [demons].” 1 Corinthians 10:20
• “You believe that God is one. You do well; the δαιμόνια [demons] also believe, and shudder.” James 2:19
• “The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship δαιμόνια [demons].” Revelation 9:20

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish thought, the concept of δαιμόνια was deeply influenced by intertestamental literature such as the Book of Enoch and other apocalyptic writings. These texts expanded on the brief mention in Genesis 6 of the “sons of God” interacting with humans, developing a complex demonology that viewed these spirits as fallen angels or their offspring. This framework helps explain why δαιμόνια in the New Testament are consistently portrayed as having once belonged to the heavenly realm but now operating in rebellion against God.

The Pharisees and other Jewish groups of Jesus’ time had developed elaborate exorcism rituals involving incantations, specific herbs, and ritual actions. When Jesus cast out demons with a simple command, it represented a radical departure from these complex procedures. His authority-based exorcisms served as a powerful sign of His unique relationship with the Father and the inauguration of God’s kingdom. The Jewish crowds recognized this distinction, exclaiming, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel” (Matthew 9:33) after witnessing Jesus’ power over demons.

Theological Significance

The New Testament’s treatment of δαιμόνια reveals profound theological truths about God’s sovereignty and the cosmic spiritual conflict. While these malevolent entities possess significant power to afflict humans, they are consistently portrayed as utterly subordinate to God’s authority. Their immediate recognition of and submission to Jesus demonstrates that even rebellious spiritual powers must ultimately acknowledge the supreme lordship of יהוה (Yahweh). This reinforces the biblical truth that God’s sovereignty extends over all creation, visible and invisible.

The confrontations between Jesus and δαιμόνια serve as tangible manifestations of the kingdom of God breaking into the world. When Jesus declares, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28), He reveals that His exorcisms are not merely acts of compassion but signs of eschatological significance. They demonstrate that the Messiah has come to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8) and initiate the restoration of all creation to its intended state of harmony under God’s rule.

Personal Application

Understanding the biblical concept of δαιμόνια provides believers with important spiritual perspective. While we should never obsess over demonic activity, the New Testament clearly teaches us to recognize the reality of spiritual opposition. The good news is that as followers of the Messiah Jesus, we stand under His authority and protection. When we abide in Him, we can claim the promise that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ authority over δαιμόνια remind us that no power—personal, systemic, or spiritual—can ultimately resist God’s redemptive purposes. When we face opposition or spiritual darkness in our lives or communities, we can take courage from knowing that these powers have already been decisively defeated at the cross. Our role is not to fear these entities but to stand firm in faith, equipped with the spiritual armor God provides (Ephesians 6:10-18), and to participate in the Messiah’s ongoing work of establishing His kingdom in this world.

Related Words

• δαίμων (daimōn, DAY-mohn) – The root word from which δαιμόνιον derives, used only once in Matthew 8:31. While δαιμόνιον is the diminutive form, both terms refer to the same spiritual entities in the New Testament. See G1142
• πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον (pneuma akatharton, PNYOO-mah ah-KAH-thar-ton) – “Unclean spirit,” often used interchangeably with δαιμόνιον in the Gospels, emphasizing the ritual impurity these entities caused in Jewish religious context. See G4151 and G169
• ἄγγελος (angelos, ANG-el-os) – “Angel” or “messenger,” contrasting with δαιμόνιον as faithful spirits who serve God rather than rebel against Him. See G32
• διάβολος (diabolos, dee-AB-ol-os) – “Devil” or “slanderer,” the chief adversary whom the δαιμόνια serve and who orchestrates opposition to God’s kingdom. See G1228
• Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboul, beh-el-zeh-BOOL) – “Beelzebul,” a name for Satan as the “prince of demons,” indicating his leadership over the δαιμόνια. See G954

Did You Know?

• The modern English word “demon” comes directly from this Greek term δαιμόνιον, though our contemporary understanding has been shaped significantly by medieval and Renaissance depictions rather than the biblical concept. In ancient Greek culture, these entities were not always considered evil until Jewish and later Christian thought reinterpreted them exclusively as malevolent beings.
• The famous “Socratic daimonion” that the philosopher Socrates claimed guided him was very different from the New Testament concept. Socrates described his daimonion as a divine voice that would warn him against making poor decisions—a concept closer to what we might call conscience or divine guidance rather than a possessing entity. This highlights the dramatic shift in meaning that occurred when Jewish monotheism encountered Greek spiritual concepts.
• While many ancient cultures had elaborate demonologies with hierarchies and specific names for various demons, the New Testament is remarkably restrained in this regard. With few exceptions (like the declaration “My name is Legion” in Mark 5:9), the biblical text avoids naming or categorizing demons, focusing instead on Jesus’ absolute authority over them. This restraint stands in stark contrast to later Christian writings and medieval demonology that developed complex hierarchies and taxonomies of demonic beings.

Remember This

The biblical concept of δαιμόνιον serves not to provoke fear but to highlight the Messiah’s supreme authority and the believer’s security in Him—every instance of demonic activity in Scripture ultimately showcases God’s greater power and the complete victory Jesus secured at the cross.