Torment in the Bible
Torment in the Bible describes intense suffering of body or soul, ranging from the inner anguish of a troubled heart to the final judgment of the wicked. The Psalmists give voice to the experience of inward torment with raw honesty. In Psalm 13:2 David cries, "How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?" and in Psalm 38:8 he confesses, "I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart." These laments show that the believer is not promised a life free of mental and emotional pain, yet they always turn toward God as the only one who can relieve the soul. In the Gospels, torment takes on a spiritual dimension. When Jesus confronts the demoniacs in Matthew 8:29, the demons shriek, "Have you come here to torment us before the time?" revealing that even the powers of darkness know they face a coming judgment fixed by God. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:23 portrays the rich man in Hades, "being in torment," longing for a single drop of water. Jesus uses this sober picture to warn that choices in this life carry eternal weight. The Book of Revelation completes the biblical theme. Revelation 14:11 and Revelation 20:10 speak of the smoke of torment that rises forever for those who reject God and for the devil, the beast, and the false prophet. Scripture does not present these texts to satisfy curiosity but to call sinners to repentance and to magnify the mercy found in Christ. For the believer, the answer to torment is the peace of God, who promises to wipe away every tear and to deliver his people from the wrath to come.
Key verse snapshot
“How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”
Bible Verses about Torment
6 Scripture passages on this theme
Psalms 13:2
“How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”
Psalms 38:8
“I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.”
Matthew 8:29
“And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?”
Luke 16:23
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
Revelation 14:11
“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with torment.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance