Bible Dictionary

Lunatics

Other • New Testament

Lunatics were people suffering from a bodily or mental disorder, translated epileptic in the Revised Version. In some cases the condition was associated with demonic possession.

Definition

“Lunatics” is an older designation for people suffering from a bodily or mental disorder, probably epilepsy. The Revised Version translates the New Testament term “epileptic.” The condition might or might not be associated with possession, so the word itself does not necessarily indicate demonic influence.

Biblical Usage

The word occurs twice in the New Testament, in Matthew 4:24 and 17:15. Matthew 4:24 distinguishes lunatics from demoniacs, while Matthew 17:15 applies the term to one whose condition is described as possession. Mark 9:17–26 has led to the conclusion that the disease was epilepsy.

Historical Background

The term derives from the Latin luna, “moon,” because people once supposed that insanity, particularly conditions involving lucid intervals, was affected by lunar changes.

Scripture References

Matthew 4:24 Matthew 17:15 Mark 9:17-26

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(from the Latin Luna, the moon, because insane persons, especially those who had lucid intervals, were once supposed to be affected by the changes of the moon). This word is used twice in the New Testament— (Matthew 4:24; 17:15) Translated epileptic in the Revised Version.) It is evident that the word itself refers to same disease affecting both the body and the mind, which might or might not be a sign of possession By the description of (Mark 9:17-26) it is concluded that this disease was epilepsy.

Back to Dictionary Search