In biblical literature, the term "tormentor" is often associated with those who inflict suffering, pain, or distress upon others. The concept of torment and those who cause it is addressed in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both physical and spiritual dimensions.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "tormentor" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is present in the actions of oppressors and adversaries. For example, the Egyptians who enslaved the Israelites can be seen as tormentors, inflicting harsh labor and suffering upon God's people (Exodus 1:11-14). The psalmists often cry out to God for deliverance from their enemies, who are described as those who seek to harm and torment them (Psalm 13:2, 25:19).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the idea of torment is more explicitly connected to spiritual realities. Demons are depicted as tormentors of individuals, causing physical and mental anguish. In Matthew 8:29 , the demons possessing two men in the region of the Gadarenes recognize Jesus and cry out, "What do You want with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the appointed time?" This passage highlights the authority of Christ over spiritual tormentors and the ultimate judgment they face.

The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:34 also uses the imagery of torment: "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed." Here, the tormentors serve as a metaphor for the consequences of unforgiveness and the spiritual bondage it brings.

Eternal Torment

The concept of eternal torment is a significant theme in Christian eschatology. The Book of Revelation describes the final judgment and the fate of those who reject God. Revelation 20:10 states, "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This passage underscores the ultimate defeat and eternal punishment of Satan and his followers.

Spiritual Warfare

The New Testament also emphasizes the believer's struggle against spiritual tormentors. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these spiritual adversaries.

Deliverance and Hope

Despite the reality of tormentors, both physical and spiritual, the Bible offers hope and deliverance through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 8:38-39 assures believers that nothing can separate them from the love of God, "neither angels nor rulers, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers." This promise provides comfort and strength to withstand the trials and torments of this world.

In summary, the concept of tormentors in the Bible encompasses both human and spiritual agents of suffering. Through the redemptive work of Christ, believers are assured of victory over all forms of torment, both in this life and in eternity.1. (n.) One who, or that which, torments; one who inflicts penal anguish or tortures.

2. (n.) An implement for reducing a stiff soil, resembling a harrow, but running upon wheels.

TORMENTOR

tor-men'-ter: the King James Version 2 Maccabees 7:29 for demios "belonging to the people," and so "public executioner," the Revised Version (British and American) "butcher." A term of utter contempt, whose force is lost in the King James Version. Also Matthew 18:34 for basanistes, "torturer." Normally the bankrupt debtor was sold into slavery. But, apparently, in extreme cases (where concealment of assets was suspected?) the defaulter was sent to prison until restitution should be made. Probably the imprisonment itself was regarded as "torment" (as it doubtless was), and the "tormentors" need mean nothing more than jailers.

Burton Scott Easton

930. basanistes -- a torturer
... of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: basanistes Phonetic Spelling:
(bas-an-is-tace') Short Definition: one who tortures, a tormentor, jailor Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/930.htm - 6k

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... no hell, or that I had been a devil; supposing they were only tormentors; that if
it must needs be, that I went thither, I might be rather a tormentor, than be ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Out of the Deep of Loneliness, Failure, and Disappointment.
... He has confessed that God is not a mere force or law of Nature; nor a mere tyrant
and tormentor; but a Reasonable Being who will hear reason, and a Just Being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/iv out of the deep.htm

The Foundlings
... of pity. Snatching the poor little creature out of the hands of its tormentor,
Vincent carried it to the "Couche St. Landry," an ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 7 the foundlings.htm

The Third Season
... It is enough, take away my life also." No: a mourner in Zion you may and ought to
be, but a self-tormentor you must not be; complain to God you may, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

The Sixth Clause.
... after liberated by his lord, does not equally spare his own debtor; and, being on
that account impeached before his lord, is made over to the tormentor to pay ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter vii the sixth clause.htm

The Service to a Female Martyr.
... Having manfully and wisely stood in thy mind against the rage of the tormentor and
his insolent harshness, thou, O Godwise one, foresawest the ever and ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xx the service to.htm

But the Important Point Here is Only that You Cannot Anyhow Get ...
... After that it is a trifling and even a jocular question whether we say of this
tremendous tormentor, the artist Man, that he puts things into us like an ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 33 but the important.htm

Christ's Touch
... us the fact that when He came down from the Mount of Transfiguration He laid His
hand upon the demoniac boy, writhing in the grip of his tormentor, and lifted ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs touch.htm

Of those who Live Between the Two.
... double mind, against you is punishment without the body. The course of the
tormentor stirs you up to cry out against your brother. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxiv of those who live between.htm

The Secret of Power
... One poor devil-ridden boy brings all their resources to nothing. He stands before
them writhing in the gripe of his tormentor, but they cannot set him free. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the secret of power.htm

Tormentor (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TORMENTOR. ...Tormentor (1 Occurrence). Proverbs
27:11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor. ...
/t/tormentor.htm - 7k

Worm (22 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Same as Vermes. 7. (n.) An internal tormentor; something that gnaws or afflicts
one's mind with remorse. 8. (n.) A being debased and despised. ...
/w/worm.htm - 21k

Tormenting (1 Occurrence)

/t/tormenting.htm - 7k

Tormentors (3 Occurrences)

/t/tormentors.htm - 7k

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