### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **manía**, represented by `{{G3130}}`, is defined as **craziness** or madness. It is derived from the word μαίνομαι (to rave). This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, which captures a dramatic moment of accusation within the book of Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G3130}}` occurs in the account of the apostle Paul's defense before the Roman governor Festus. As Paul recounted his testimony, Festus interrupted him, exclaiming with a loud voice, "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad" [[Acts 26:24]]. The accusation uses **madness** to dismiss Paul's impassioned speech about his conversion and the resurrection, attributing his fervor not to divine truth but to a state of craziness brought on by excessive study.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context illuminate the meaning of this accusation:
* `{{G3105}}` **maínomai** (to rave as a "maniac"): The root of `manía`, this verb is used by Festus when he says Paul is "beside thyself" [[Acts 26:24]] and by Paul himself in his direct denial, "I am not mad" [[Acts 26:25]].
* `{{G1121}}` **grámma** (writing, plural learning): Festus identifies "much **learning**" as the cause of Paul's supposed insanity, showing a worldly misunderstanding of Paul's spiritual knowledge [[Acts 26:24]].
* `{{G4062}}` **peritrépō** (to craze): This verb specifies the action of being driven to insanity. Festus claims that Paul's learning is what "doth **make** thee **mad**," turning his knowledge into a fault [[Acts 26:24]].
* `{{G5347}}` **Phēstos** (Festus): As the individual making the accusation, his name is inextricably linked to this biblical usage of **madness**, representing a figure of worldly authority confronting divine testimony [[Acts 26:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3130}}` is not in the word itself, but in the dynamic it represents.
* **Clash of Worldviews:** The accusation of **madness** serves as a stark example of how the gospel message, particularly the resurrection, can be perceived as irrational or insane by a secular mindset.
* **The Cost of Testimony:** Paul's experience demonstrates that a faithful witness may be met with scorn and labeled as unhinged. His response, however, contrasts the charge of **madness** with "the words of truth and soberness" [[Acts 26:25]].
* **Spiritual vs. Intellectual Knowledge:** Festus links "much **learning**" `{{G1121}}` to **madness** `{{G3130}}`, highlighting the world's inability to comprehend spiritual truths, mistaking them for intellectual delusion [[Acts 26:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3130}}` **manía** provides a focused look at the concept of **madness** within a single, powerful biblical scene. Its appearance in [[Acts 26:24]] is not a broad theological statement on insanity, but rather a specific, dramatic accusation leveled against the apostle Paul. The term memorably illustrates the conflict between the wisdom of God, which can appear as foolishness to the world, and the skepticism of worldly authority.
TRV