The Greek word used for “torment” (KJV,…) in Revelation 20:10 (and Revelation 14:10) is the word “basanizó”.
One of the meanings of the word “basanizó” is “to test metals by the touchstone” according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon based on Strong’s Concordance (#928, scroll down, on that webpage, to check Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
The Greek word “basanizó” comes from the Greek word “basanos” (#931) for torment, which actually means touchstone. Universalists believe that therefore all men will be saved (Source).
I would disagree. The word means touchstone according to Strong’s Concordance but it has nothing to do with universal salvation at all.
I believe it's about giving the right recompense for their deeds. Their deeds are being tested by torment so that at the same time they get their reward; torment (also one of the Greek meanings of the word “basanizó”, this translation is given precedence by most, if not all, Bible translations). My personal opinion is that they get a rightful recompense in the “annihilationist” view. In that view, every unbelieving person gets a different duration / intensity in the lake of fire. their souls will stop existing, after the right recompense for their works has been given to them.
Some have suggested that those torments/tests will lead up to Universal Reconciliation.
I, for one, do not see a Scriptural basis for this viewpoint. On the contrary. The dogs,… are being contrasted to those who have washed their robes/those who obeyed Jesus:
"Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can have access to the tree of life and can enter into the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral, and the murderers, and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood!" (Revelation 22:14*-15; NET)
* KJV has: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14)
Therefore to me, it seems like
Only Eternal Conscious Torment or Annihilationism seem to be compatible with the Bible. In other words: Universalism has no Scriptural foundation.
Further investigation follows.
Check out also: “Annihilationism”
(#930 is also interesting in the Strong’s Concordance.)
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