middle voice or passive from a presumed derivative of σελήνη; to be moon-struck, i.e. crazy:--be a lunatic.
Transliteration:selēniázomai
Pronunciation:sel-ay-nee-ad'-zom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σεληνιάζομαι (selēniázomai) is derived from σελήνη (selēnē), meaning "moon" (`{{G4582}}`). Its core meaning is "to be moon-struck," reflecting an ancient belief that certain illnesses, particularly those involving seizures or mental derangement, were influenced by the phases of the moon. This is the etymological root of the English word "lunatic." The term describes a condition characterized by severe physical or mental distress, often with an episodic or cyclical nature, such as epileptic fits or periods of madness. While it describes the observable symptoms, in the biblical context, such conditions could be understood as having various etiologies, including demonic influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word σεληνιάζομαι appears twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 4:24]]: "And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them." Here, "lunatick" (σεληνιαζομένους) is listed among various categories of suffering, including general diseases, torments, demon possession, and paralysis. This suggests it was recognized as a distinct, severe affliction, potentially encompassing conditions like epilepsy or severe mental illness, even if its precise cause was unknown or attributed to lunar cycles.
* [[Matthew 17:15]]: "Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water." This passage provides a vivid description of the symptoms, consistent with severe epileptic seizures. The father's plea highlights the desperate nature of the affliction. Following the disciples' inability to cast out the demon ([[G17:16]]) and Jesus' subsequent healing, [[Matthew 17:18]] explicitly states, "And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour." This crucial detail reveals that in this specific instance, the "lunacy" was directly caused by demonic possession, demonstrating the fluidity between ancient medical observations and spiritual understanding in the New Testament.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **σελήνη (selēnē) `{{G4582}}`**: The direct root, emphasizing the ancient association of the condition with the moon.
* **δαιμονίζομαι (daimonizomai) `{{G1139}}`**: "To be demon-possessed." As seen in [[Matthew 17]], a condition described as σεληνιάζομαι could, in fact, be a manifestation of demonic activity, indicating that the biblical worldview often saw physical and mental ailments as potentially having spiritual roots.
* **νοσέω (noseō) `{{G3554}}` / ἀσθενέω (astheneō) `{{G770}}`**: General terms for "to be sick" or "to be weak." σεληνιάζομαι represents a specific, severe category within the broader spectrum of human illness and suffering.
* **Epilepsy**: Modern medical understanding would likely diagnose the symptoms described in [[Matthew 17:15]] as epilepsy. The ancient term σεληνιάζομαι served to categorize such observable patterns of seizures.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of σεληνιάζομαι highlight several key theological insights. First, they underscore the comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing ministry, which extended to all forms of human suffering, including severe and perplexing conditions like those categorized as "lunacy." Christ's compassion embraced those afflicted by conditions that were often misunderstood, feared, or stigmatized in the ancient world. Second, the explicit link between "lunacy" and demonic possession in [[Matthew 17]] offers a profound theological perspective: the New Testament often portrays physical and mental illnesses not merely as biological dysfunctions but as potentially intertwined with spiritual forces, particularly the influence of evil. Jesus' power to heal such conditions is thus a demonstration of His divine authority over all realms of creation, including the spiritual forces of darkness. Finally, the disciples' initial inability to heal the "lunatic" son ([[G17:16]]) and Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith and prayer ([[G17:20-21]]) emphasize that certain spiritual battles require a deeper level of spiritual reliance and engagement with God.
### Summary
The Greek term σεληνιάζομαι (selēniázomai) denotes the state of being "moon-struck" or a "lunatic," reflecting an ancient understanding of severe neurological or mental afflictions, particularly those involving seizures. Found in [[Matthew 4:24]] and [[Matthew 17:15]], it describes a profound form of human suffering. Notably, the narrative in [[Matthew 17]] clarifies that the "lunacy" of the afflicted boy was, in fact, caused by a demon, illustrating the biblical worldview where physical ailments could have spiritual roots. This word powerfully underscores the breadth of human brokenness addressed by Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His compassionate authority over all forms of illness and His supreme power over demonic forces, calling believers to a deeper faith in confronting such entrenched afflictions.
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