Bible Dictionaries
Lunatic
Holman Bible Dictionary
KJV term for epilepsy or insanity (Matthew 4:24; Matthew 17:15 ). The term lunacy derives from the Latin luna (moon) and reflects the popular notion that the mental state of the “lunatic” fluctuated with the changing phases of the moon. The Greek terms underlying Matthew 4:24 and Matthew 17:15 are likewise related to the Greek term for moon. Lunacy was not clearly distinguished from demon possession ( Matthew 17:18; compare Mark 9:17; Luke 9:39 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Lunatic'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​l/lunatic.html. 1991.