What Does “Possessed” Really Mean?
When people read the Bible in English, they often come across the phrase “possessed with a devil.” But there is a lot of misunderstanding around the word possessed. Let’s look closely at what it actually means.
- The Original Greek Word
The New Testament word is:
δαιμονίζομαι (daimonizomai) – Strong’s Concordance G1139. It means: to be demonized, to have a demon, or to be under the influence of a demon.
👉 It never means “owned” by a demon. Instead, it shows a person being under some degree of demonic influence or control.
Examples from the Gospels:
- Some spoke with another voice (Mark 5)
- Some were mute or blind (Matthew 9:32–33; 12:22)
- Some had seizures (Matthew 17:15–18)
- Some were self-harming or violent (Mark 5:5)
So biblically, these people had a demon or were demonized — not owned.
- What Does “Possessed” Mean in English?
📖 Old English Dictionaries (like the 1611 King James usage): Possessed with a devil = to be afflicted, controlled, or influenced by an evil spirit. It was a common way of describing demon possession, without implying ownership.
📖 Modern English Dictionaries:
- Possessed (Oxford): influenced or controlled by a demon or spirit.
- Possessed (Merriam-Webster): dominated by or as if by an evil spirit or passion.
👉 In both old and modern English, possessed is tied to the idea of being demon-possessed — meaning influence, control, or domination, not legal ownership.
- How the Bible Actually Reads
Notice something important: The Bible never says a person was “possessed by a demon.” It always says “possessed with a demon” (KJV) or “possessed of a demon.”
That wording is crucial: it means the person had a demon — not that a demon owned them. - The Real Issue
The modern statement, “A Christian can’t be possessed,” is based on the mistaken idea that possession = ownership. But biblically, the word simply means having a demon, being influenced or afflicted by one.
So yes — both non-Christians and Christians can come under demonic influence (to varying degrees). But the good news is: - The Good News – Deliverance in Jesus’ Name
Jesus gave us authority in His Name to drive out demons:
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…” (Mark 16:17)
Through the authority of Jesus, demons must go. Deliverance is not just possible — it is promised. - The Impact of Casting Out Demons
When demons are cast out, it not only sets people free but also points others to Jesus.
📖 Example from the Early Church:
- Justin Martyr (c. 150 AD) wrote:
“For many of our Christian men exorcising them in the name of Jesus Christ… have healed and do heal, rendering helpless and driving the possessing devils out of men, though they could not be cured by all the other exorcists.” (Second Apology, ch. 6)
This public demonstration of power led many pagans to believe in Christ, because they saw that His name had authority where their magic and rituals failed.
✅ Conclusion - The biblical word daimonizomai does not mean “owned by a demon.”
- In English, possessed always meant “demon-possessed” (influenced, afflicted, dominated) — not ownership.
- The Bible says people were possessed with a demon, not possessed by one.
- Both unbelievers and believers can be afflicted or demonized.
- The good news is that through the authority of Jesus Christ, demons can be cast out, and freedom is available to all who believe.
- Casting out demons not only sets people free but also points many others to the reality of Jesus Christ for salvation.
- It is perfectly fine biblically and grammar to say someone is possessed.
- You don’t need to feel discouraged by others misunderstanding.