[Greek] βάσανος (basanos), [Latin] probatio, [Latin] temptatio, [Latin] tormentum: torture, torment, examination by torture, severe pain, Mt.4:24, Lk. 16:23,28
The Rich Man being led to Hell: painting by David Teniers the Younger (1647)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, originally meaning a durable basalt touchstone, refers to testing (examining). Metals (gold and silver) were tested to determine their value in the commercial exchange of goods. The Babylonians developed the practice of the testing of gold and silver as a unit of commercial exchange. Over time man, rather than metals, becomes the object of testing and torture. The stone of testing becomes the torture rack. This testing of man often illustrates one’s character, strength, and genuineness. Plato’s Gorgius 486d states “If my soul had happened to be made of gold, do you not think I should have been delighted to find one of those stones with which they test gold, and is confirmed that my soul had been properly tested.” Aristophanes’ Frogs 802 states “Because Euripides says he’ll test the plays word by word.” Antiphon’s On the Murder of Herodes 5.36 states “Instead of putting the man to death, they ought to have produced him in the flesh and challenged me to examine him under torture.” Plato’s Law 648b states “Would not your first desire be to have a test of courage and of cowardice which you might apply to your citizens?” Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colunus 835 states “Your strength and ours will soon come to the test.”
Old Testament: This term, conveying both testing and torment, can refer to the sufferings (afflictions) of the righteous and the punishment of the unjust (ungodly). In some situations the righteous will have to suffer in the world at the hands of the ungodly. 4Macc illustrates examples of faithful Jews receiving martyrdom for their faithfulness. However, the distinction between faithful martyrdom and religious violence sometimes becomes blurred. God administers both temporal punishment and eternal damnation to the unjust and ungodly. With revilement and torture let us put him to the tests that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience (Sol.2:19). But the souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torments shall touch them (Sol.3:1). Son of man, eat your bread trembling, and drink water shaking with anxiety (Ezek.12:18). That you may bear your shame and be disgraced for all the comfort you brought them (Ezek.16:54). Food, correction and work for a slave; and for a wicked slave, a punishment in the stocks (Sir.30:35). For when they had been tried, though only mildly chastised, they recognized how the wicked, condemned in anger, were being tormented (Sol.11:9).
New Testament: This term means torment, torture, and being racked with pain. Jesus was ministering to a great multitude. The people brought the sick and those who were racked with pain. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man lived a luxurious and selfish life. The rich man later finds himself living in torment in the netherworld (hell). The rich man’s pleas are not heard from Abraham. This parable illustrates the reversals of fates of Lazarus and the rich man. This parable echoes Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain where Jesus offers blessings for the poor and hungry and warnings and woe for the rich.
Scripture:
“And from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.” Lk.16:23
The rich man, who lived a luxurious like, experiences a reversal of fortunes into the netherworld (hell).
Conclusion:
Basalt, probation, temptation, torment, tormented
It was interesting to discover that this term actually refers to a basalt testing stone used in determining the value of metals. The meaning of this term changes over time to testing (examining). Man then becomes the object of this testing. Slaves were often tortured as punishment. Others were tortured in order to extract information from them.
In the Old Testament, testing and tormenting take on a spiritual sense. The righteous may endure testing (trials). Others may enduring suffering at the hands of the unjust. 4Macc introduces the notion of adhering to traditions and practices even to the point of martyrdom. In the New Testament, the rich man’s reversal of fate leads him into hell.
Mettle, a variant of metal, is the character or moral composition of a person found during difficult times. “To show one’s mettle” means to prove one has skills, endurance, and strength of character to accomplish something. Essentially, this refers to the “stuff of which a person is made”. This word, first used in the 1500’s, was frequently used by Shakespeare.
Julius Caesar, Act 4, Scene 2, Lines 24-25:
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand.
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle.
May all of us show our mettle in the race (life) and can be put to the test in good times and bad!