CategoryArchaic Word / Distress Term
Modern Equivalenttrouble; distress; torment; harass.
KJV Word TypeVerb / adjective
DefinitionTo trouble, distress, torment, afflict, or harass. “Vexed” can describe someone troubled in spirit, oppressed, or tormented.
Key Verses"And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." (Ezekiel 34:28); "For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds." (2 Peter 2:8)
KJV Usage NoteOften describes distress, torment, oppression, or spiritual anguish.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not merely mean mild annoyance; in the KJV it can mean serious distress, torment, or oppression.
EtymologyFrom Latin vexare, meaning to shake, disturb, or harass.