English · KJV
G4583

σεληνιάζομαι

selēniázomai /sel-ay-nee-ad'-zom-ahee/ Ask about this word
Rootmiddle voice or passive from a presumed derivative of σελήνη
Meaningto be moon-struck, i.e. crazy
KJV usagebe a lunatic.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of selēniázomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word selēniázomai, represented by G4583, is defined as being moon-struck, i.e. crazy, or to be a lunatic. It is derived from a presumed derivative of σελήνη (the moon). This term appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, both in the book of Matthew.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The word is used to describe a severe affliction. In a summary of Jesus's ministry, his fame G189 spread throughout Syria G4947, and people brought G4374 to him all who were sick with divers G4164 diseases G3554 and torments G931. Among them were those who were lunatick G4583, and Jesus healed G2323 them Matthew 4:24. The term appears again when a father pleads with the Lord G2962 to have mercy G1653 on his son G5207, stating, "he is lunatick G4583, and sore G2560 vexed G3958." The father explains that the boy often falleth G4098 into G1519 the fire G4442 and water G5204 Matthew 17:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context of this affliction:

  • G1139 daimonízomai (to be exercised by a dæmon): This term for being "possessed with devils" is listed alongside those who are lunatick G4583 in Matthew 4:24, indicating that the two conditions were considered distinct.
  • G2323 therapeúō (to relieve (of disease)): This word, meaning to heal or cure, describes Christ's action toward those afflicted, including the lunatick, demonstrating his power over such conditions Matthew 4:24.
  • G3958 páschō (to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)): Translated as "vexed," this word describes the intense suffering of the son, highlighting the severe and painful nature of the ailment Matthew 17:15.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G4583 is seen in its context within Christ's ministry.

  • Christ's Authority Over All Ailments: The inclusion of those who are lunatick G4583 in the list of people Jesus healed demonstrates his comprehensive authority over every form of human suffering, including those that manifest as severe mental and physical distress Matthew 4:24.
  • A Depiction of Desperate Need: The account of the father and son portrays a situation of profound helplessness. The son's condition is dangerous and causes him to sore G2560 vexed G3958, leading the father to cry out for mercy G1653, the only available recourse Matthew 17:15.
  • Biblical Categorization of Suffering: Scripture uses specific terms for different afflictions. By listing being lunatick G4583 separately from being possessed with devils G1139 or having the palsy G3885, the text distinguishes between various sources and manifestations of human suffering Matthew 4:24.

Summary

In summary, G4583 selēniázomai is a specific term describing a "lunatic" condition characterized by severe, uncontrollable, and self-harming behavior. Its two appearances in Scripture highlight the suffering it causes while simultaneously showcasing the complete power and compassion of Jesus to heal even the most grievous and desperate of human afflictions. The term is presented as a distinct category of illness within the biblical accounts.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists one rendering for this word. It is counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the number is how many of them use it. Select it to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • σεληνιάζεται
  • σεληνιαζομένους

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G189 ἀκοή hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard) G4947 Συρία Syria (i.e. Tsyria or Tyre), a region of Asia G4374 προσφέρω to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat G4164 ποικίλος motley, i.e. various in character G3554 νόσος a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability) G931 βάσανος a touch-stone, i.e. (by analogy) torture

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in Matthew — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.