δαιμονιώδης
daimoniṓdēs
G1141 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the character or quality of a δαιμόνιον (supernatural being, spirit), demon-like; resembling, pertaining to, or exhibiting the nature of daimons or spirits, typically with connotations of being influenced by or manifesting qualities attributed to such beings. Can denote the quality of being associated with or resembling spirits considered malign or supernatural.
Semantic Range
having the nature of a demon, demon-like, possessing qualities attributed to supernatural spirits, resembling a spirit or daimon, influenced by supernatural forces
Root / Etymology
Composed of δαιμόνιον ('spirit', 'supernatural being', 'demon') and the adjectival suffix -ώδης, which forms adjectives indicating 'of the nature of' or 'like.' Thus, δαιμονιώδης means 'having the character of a daimon/demon.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term δαιμονιώδης is rare in extant Greek literature and does not appear in the New Testament, but it is built from well-attested roots. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, δαίμων and δαιμόνιον referred broadly to supernatural entities, not inherently 'evil' as in later Christian usage. Over time, particularly in Septuagintal and early Christian contexts, these terms shifted to denote beings opposed to the divine, often translated as 'demon.' The suffix -ώδης frequently modifies nouns to indicate resemblance or possession of the referenced quality. The English translation 'devilish' imposes later theological categories; historically, the sense is closer to 'having the nature of a spirit or supernatural being,' often but not always with negative connotations, especially as Greek attitudes toward δαίμονες and δαιμόνια became more negative.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δαιμόνιον and δαίμων; dæmon-like:--devilish.
Root Family
δαιμον- (daimonízomai) — to be affected by a daimon, to experience influence by a supernatural being
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1139 | δαιμονίζομαι | having been daimon-afflicted |
| G1140 | δαιμόνιον | supernatural spirit-beings |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1141-01 |
δαιμονιώδης | daimoniodes | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
devilish | demon-like (feminine singular) | demon-like | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1141-01 |
James 3:15 | δαιμονιώδης | daimoniodes | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
devilish | demon-like (feminine singular) | demon-like |