4583. seléniazomai
Lexicon
seléniazomai: To be moonstruck, to be lunatic, to be epileptic

Original Word: σεληνιάζομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: seléniazomai
Pronunciation: seh-lay-nee-AH-zoh-my
Phonetic Spelling: (sel-ay-nee-ad'-zom-ahee)
Definition: To be moonstruck, to be lunatic, to be epileptic
Meaning: I am a lunatic, am moonstruck, epileptic.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be a lunatic.

Middle voice or passive from a presumed derivative of selene; to be moon-struck, i.e. Crazy -- be a lunatic.

see GREEK selene

HELPS Word-studies

4583 selēniázomai (from 4582 /selḗnē, "moon") – properly, moon-struck, acting like a lunatic – literally, "someone controlled by the moon" rather than reason.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from seléné
Definition
to be moonstruck, spec. be epileptic (supposedly influenced by the moon)
NASB Translation
epileptics (1), lunatic (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4583: σεληνιάζομαι

σεληνιάζομαι; (σελήνη); (literally, to be moon-struck (cf. lunatic); see Wetstein on Matthew 4:24; Suicer, Thesaurus ii. 945f; BB. DD., under the word ); to be epileptic (epilepsy being supposed to return and increase with the increase of the moon): Matthew 4:24; Matthew 17:15. (Manetho carm. 4, 81 and 217; (Lucian, others); ecclesiastical writings.)

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from σελήνη (selēnē), meaning "moon."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σεληνιάζομαι in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, as the concept of being "moonstruck" or epileptic is not explicitly addressed in the same manner in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, conditions involving seizures or similar symptoms might be described using terms related to illness or demonic possession, such as:

- Strong's Hebrew 3707 (כָּעַס, ka'as) • to be angry, vexed, or provoked, sometimes used metaphorically for physical or mental distress.
- Strong's Hebrew 7665 (שָׁבַר, shabar) • to break, shatter, or bring to ruin, occasionally used in contexts of physical affliction.

These entries reflect the broader biblical themes of suffering and healing, though they do not directly correspond to the Greek concept of σεληνιάζομαι.

Usage: The term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are afflicted with conditions that were historically attributed to the influence of the moon, such as epilepsy or seizures.

Context: The Greek term σεληνιάζομαι (selēniazomai) appears in the New Testament in the context of describing individuals who are suffering from conditions that manifest as seizures or fits. In ancient times, such conditions were often thought to be influenced by the phases of the moon, hence the term's derivation from σελήνη (selēnē), meaning "moon."

In the Berean Standard Bible, σεληνιάζομαι is notably used in Matthew 17:15, where a man approaches Jesus, pleading for his son: "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water." Here, the term is translated as "epileptic," reflecting the symptoms described.

The cultural and historical context of the term suggests a belief in the moon's influence over human health, a common notion in ancient times. This belief is reflected in the etymology of the word, linking the condition to lunar cycles. However, the New Testament narrative focuses on the healing power of Jesus, who demonstrates authority over such afflictions, irrespective of their perceived origins.

In the broader biblical context, the use of σεληνιάζομαι underscores the compassion of Jesus and His power to heal those who are suffering. It also highlights the limitations of contemporary medical understanding and the tendency to attribute unexplained phenomena to supernatural or celestial influences.

Forms and Transliterations
σεληνιαζεται σεληνιάζεται σεληνιαζομενους σεληνιαζομένους σελίδας σελισία seleniazetai seleniázetai selēniazetai selēniázetai seleniazomenous seleniazoménous selēniazomenous selēniazoménous
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 4:24 V-PPM/P-AMP
GRK: δαιμονιζομένους καὶ σεληνιαζομένους καὶ παραλυτικούς
NAS: demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics;
KJV: and those which were lunatick, and
INT: possessed by demons and epileptics and paralytics

Matthew 17:15 V-PIM/P-3S
GRK: υἱόν ὅτι σεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς
NAS: on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very
KJV: son: for he is lunatick, and sore
INT: son for he is epileptic and miserably

Strong's Greek 4583
2 Occurrences


σεληνιάζεται — 1 Occ.
σεληνιαζομένους — 1 Occ.















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