Bible Dictionary
Torment
Torment means severe distress or suffering. In biblical usage it can describe painful disease, affliction, or punishment.
Definition
Torment means severe distress or suffering. The term may describe painful disease that racks the body and, by extension, punishment or anguish.
Biblical Usage
In Matthew 4:24 it describes affliction associated with disease and bodily suffering.
Historical Background
The Greek term is related to a touchstone used in testing, and then to examination by torture and painful affliction.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Gr. basanos (Matt. 4:24), the “touch-stone” of justice; hence inquisition by torture, and then any disease which racks and tortures the limbs.