βασκαίνω (G940) — Greek Lexicon

βασκαίνω

baskaínō

G940 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To cast an evil spell on, to bewitch, to exert a malignant or envious influence over someone (typically resulting in harm or misfortune); by extension, to give someone the 'evil eye,' to produce harm through envious speech or looks. Also used figuratively to mean to lead astray or deceive, particularly through beguiling or malicious influence.

Semantic Range

to bewitch or cast a spell (by malice or evil eye); to harm by envy; to mislead or deceive someone by sinister influence; to subject to malignant fascination or beguilement

Root / Etymology

The root is βασκ-; the precise origin is uncertain, but some ancient lexicographers associated it with the practice of evil speech or malediction, possibly related to the notion of the 'evil eye' in Mediterranean cultures. There is no secure connection to φάσκω (to say or affirm), despite ancient speculation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, βασκαίνω and related terms (βασκανος, βασκανία) often referred to the belief in the power of the 'evil eye'—the notion that envy or malice (especially expressed through looks or words) could bring misfortune or harm. In Hellenistic and later periods, this core meaning expanded to include a broader sense of bewitching or enchanting someone, not by positive magic (as with φαρμακεύω, 'to use spells or drugs'), but through envy, slander, or malign influence. In the New Testament (Galatians 3:1), βασκαίνω is used metaphorically meaning 'who has cast a spell on you?' or 'who has led you astray by deceptive influence?'—implying spiritual or moral confusion, not literal magic. English translations often render the word as 'bewitch,' but the cultural concept overlaps more with envy-induced harm rather than spell-casting per se. The verb is rare in extant Koine Greek sources and is associated with common Mediterranean anxieties regarding envy and spoken malice, rather than structured ritual magic. This distinguishes it from terms like φαρμακεύω (to use magic, specifically via potions or drugs) and μαγεύω (to use sorcery). The English 'bewitch' only partly captures this spectrum, lacking the envy and harmful intention encoded in the original concept.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

akin to φάσκω; to malign, i.e. (by extension) to fascinate (by false representations):--bewitch.

Root Family

βασκαίνω (baskaínō) — to cast an evil spell, to bewitch, to harm by malice or envy

Root βασκ- to cast an evil spell, to bewitch, to harm by malice or envy

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G940-01`	ἐβάσκανεν	ebaskanen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	has bewitched	cast an evil spell	cast an evil spell	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G940-01`	Galatians 3:1	ἐβάσκανεν	ebaskanen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	has bewitched	cast an evil spell	cast an evil spell

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