[Greek] βασανίζω (basanizō), [Latin] tormentare: to torture, to torment, to put to the test, to rub on the touchstone; Mt.8:6, Mt.8:29, Mk.5:7, Mk.6:48, Lk.8:28, 2Pet.2:8, Rev.8:5, Rev.11:10, Rev.12:2, Rev.14:10
A touchstone used to test the purity of gold and silver. The touchstone later becomes a metaphor for the purifying and testing of man.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism:
Testing: The term originally means to test, to investigate, to examine, and to put to the test. A dark touchstone (basanos) was used to determine the purity (or impurity) of a precious metal (gold or silver). Basalt was often used as a durable touchstone. The Babylonians developed the practice of the testing of gold and silver as a unit of commercial exchange. 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 it confirmed that my soul had been properly tended.” Plato’s Republic 3.413e states “Testing them more carefully than men do of gold in the fire, to see, if the man remains immune to such witchcraft and preserve his composure throughout.” Aristophanes’ Frogs 802 states “Because Euripides says he’ll test the plays word by word.”
Torture/torment: Over time, this term undergoes a change in meaning. Man, instead of precious metals, becomes the object of testing, torture, torment, and suffering. Rather than testing a metal’s purity, this testing determines one’s character (mettle), genuineness, courage, and pain threshold. 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.” Aristophanes’ Frogs 802 states “Here, take this slave of mine and torture him. And if you find that I have done wrong, take me out and kill me.”
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 may become 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 is found in the general sense of tormenting. The centurion’s servant, lying sick of palsy, is grievously tormented. Those possessed with demons have a tormenting experience when encountering Jesus. The demons are afraid of Jesus. The disciples were frightened when the boat was being tossed about by the waves. This term makes reference to tormenting in the book of Revelations, which include temporal punishment, child birth, and eternal damnation.
Scripture:
“They cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?’”Mt.8:29
The demons were very afraid of Jesus.
“Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.” Mt.14:24
The disciples were tormented (afraid) in the boat during the stormy weather.
“For day after day that righteous man living among them was tormented in his righteous soul at the lawless deeds he saw and heard.” 2Pet.2:8
Scripture mentions Lot, a righteous man, was rescued from cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Conclusion:
Basalt, torment, mettle
I found out that this term has a very interesting back story. Although the meaning of this term had changed over time, this term continues to carry rather nuanced meanings of testing and tormenting. It was very interesting to learn that a touchstone was used to determine the purity of precious metals. Plato already understood that the soul can be tested like a gold coin. Man’s character can be often revealed through testing. Playwrights wrote plays in order to test, examine, and to provide a commentary on the human condition.
The Old Testament incorporates testing and tormenting in a spiritual context. This culture also introduces the notion that the righteous may experience testing, torments, or struggles at the hands of others. 4Macc illustrates Jews who remain faithful even up to death (martyrdom).
In the New Testament, this term is defined in a more narrow sense of tormenting. It is significant to note that demons were fearful of Jesus. It is also important to acknowledge that there can be those who will experience struggles (torments) at the hands of others. Jesus provides the ultimate example of suffering, taking on the sins of the world. Man, like precious metals, can be purified by testing and suffering. During these times, man may “burn off” less important concerns and develop a stronger (purer) relationship with God during difficult times.
Mettle, a variant of metal, is the character or moral composition of a person found (remaining) 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 each of us have such heavy mettle that can be put to the test!