Daemon
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Daemon in the Bible?
The term daemon originates from the Greek daimon, which in classical antiquity referred to a divine power or guiding spirit. In the New Testament, the meaning shifted to denote malevolent supernatural beings opposed to God.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the shift from a neutral or benevolent divine influence to a specifically evil entity allows for a more precise interpretation of biblical passages involving spiritual conflict and divine authority.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Daemon. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Daemon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Daemon clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Daemon." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/daemon/