Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for μανία, the concept of madness or irrational behavior can be related to several Hebrew terms that describe similar states, such as שִׁגָּעוֹן (shigga'own, Strong's H7697), which means madness or insanity, and תַּהֲלֻּלָה (tahalulah, Strong's H8417), meaning folly or foolishness. These terms capture the idea of a departure from rational thought, often used in the Old Testament to describe the consequences of turning away from God's wisdom.

Usage: The term μανία is used in the New Testament to describe a state of madness or irrational behavior, often associated with demonic influence or extreme emotional disturbance.

Context: The Greek word μανία appears in the New Testament to describe a condition of madness or frenzy. This term is notably used in Acts 26:24, where Festus accuses Paul of being out of his mind due to his fervent preaching of the Gospel: "At this stage of Paul's defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, 'You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness.'" (Acts 26:24, BSB). Here, μανία is used to express the perception of irrationality from the perspective of those who do not understand or accept the spiritual truths being proclaimed.

In the cultural context of the New Testament, μανία was often associated with a loss of self-control or possession by external forces, such as demonic spirits. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare and the battle between divine truth and worldly misunderstanding. The use of μανία in Acts highlights the tension between the transformative power of the Gospel and the skepticism of those who rely solely on human wisdom.

The concept of μανία also reflects the broader biblical narrative of the human condition, where individuals are often depicted as being in a state of spiritual blindness or madness until they encounter the truth of God's Word. This encounter brings about a renewal of the mind and a restoration to soundness and clarity, as seen in the transformative experiences of those who come to faith in Christ.