What is Vexed?

The term "vexed" is most often used in the word to describe the presence of demons operating in someone's life. Recognizing the particular relation between "vex" and demons, one can then see other places in the Word that bring some enlightenment into the area of spiritual warfare.

Num 33:55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Although this is referring to the inhabitants of Cannan, this is also a guide for those who question whether it is necessary to get rid of demons in one's life. (Like you would accept the presence of some parasitic worm, sucking the life from you?)

If you don't "drive them out" they will be "thorns in your sides" and "shall vex you". Good reason to get rid of them!


2Sa 13:2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

(Spirit of Incest? Although the Word doesn't list a vast number of demons, one can recognize their presence by the gift of discernment and by how they manifest on someone's life. Amnon was "vexed" and "fell sick" for his sister, which then led him to rape her. That in itself is a good indication of the presence of a spirit of incest...you could probably also add "obsession and rape" as well.)

Neh 9:27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviors, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. Does our disobedience and rebellion against God place us in danger of being turned over to demons?

Psa 6:2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. (Body is vexed)

Psa 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? (Soul is vexed)

Luk 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. (Again, a tie between demons and sickness)

And don't think that I'm saying that all sickness is demonic! However, there is a good chance that an illness or chronic condition which does not respond to normal medical treatment could have its source somewhere other than just physical.

Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Again, evidence of a tie between physical ailments and demonic vexation)