Strong's Lexicon baskainó: To bewitch, to cast an evil eye Original Word: βασκαίνω Word Origin: Derived from a root word of uncertain origin, possibly related to the concept of casting an evil eye or bewitching. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "baskainó," the concept of deception or leading astray can be related to Hebrew words such as נָשָׁא (nasha, Strong's H5377), meaning "to deceive" or "to lead astray." Usage: In the New Testament, "baskainó" is used metaphorically to describe the act of leading someone astray through deception or false influence. It conveys the idea of bewitching or enchanting someone in a way that causes them to deviate from the truth. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of the "evil eye" was prevalent. It was believed that certain individuals could cause harm or misfortune to others through a malevolent gaze or influence. This belief was widespread in the Mediterranean world and often associated with envy or jealousy. In the context of the New Testament, the term is used to describe spiritual deception rather than literal witchcraft. HELPS Word-studies 940 baskaínō (from baskanos, "to cast an evil spell, wishing injury upon someone; to bewitch") – properly, to exercise evil power over someone, like putting them under a spell; (used only in Gal 3:1); (figuratively) captivate ("be spellbinding"), appealing to someone's vanity and selfishness; "to blight by the evil eye, bewitch" (Abbott-Smith). [In classical Greek, Aristotle used 940 (baskaínō) for "bewitching through the use of an evil power." That is, putting someone under a spell so they no longer could think (act) according to reason. 940 (baskaínō) is also associated with envy (so Josephus V:425; Demosthenes 20,24; Theocr. 5,13, ala Abbott-Smith).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom baskanos (slanderous) Definition to slander, hence by ext. to bewitch NASB Translation bewitched (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 940: βασκαίνωβασκαίνω: 1 aorist ἐβασκανα, on which form cf. Winers Grammar, (75 (72)); 83 (80); (Buttmann, 41 (35); Lob. ad Phryn., p. 25f; Paralip., p. 21f); (βάζω, βάσκω (φάσκω) to speak, talk); τινα (Winer's Grammar, 223 (209)); 1. to speak ill of one, to slander, traduce him (Demosthenes 8, 19 (94, 19); Aelian v. h. 2, 13, etc.). 2. to bring evil on one by feigned praise or an evil eye, to charm, bewitch one (Aristotle, probl. 20, 34 (p. 926{b}, 24); Theocritus, 6, 39; Aelian nat. an. 1, 35); hence, of those who lead away others into error by wicked arts (Diodorus 4, 6): Galatians 3:1. Cf. Schott (or Lightfoot) at the passage; Lob. ad Phryn., p. 462. Akin to phasko; to malign, i.e. (by extension) to fascinate (by false representations) -- bewitch. see GREEK phasko |
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