σεληνιάζομαι
selēniázomai
G4583 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be affected by the moon (literally 'to be moonstruck'); to suffer from attacks of illness or mental disorder attributed to the influence of the moon, especially seizures or epileptic fits. In Hellenistic and New Testament contexts, often refers to an individual afflicted with convulsions, seizures, or disordered behavior ascribed to lunar influence.
Semantic Range
to be affected by the moon, to suffer apparent illness attributed to lunar influence, to be an epileptic, to be moonstruck, to be a lunatic (in the sense of 'seizure disorder'), to have convulsions or seizures
Root / Etymology
Formed from σελήνη ('moon') and the verb-forming suffix -ιάζομαι, a middle/passive ending. Refers to supposed effects of the moon on human health. Cognate with classical Greek σεληνιασμός ('moon-induced disorder').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek medical and popular thought, certain forms of illness, especially epilepsy or periodic fits, were thought to be caused by the phases of the moon. The term σεληνιάζομαι appears rarely in extant Greek literature, but is attested in medical authors and in the Septuagint (e.g., Mt 4:24, 17:15) in a context referring to those suffering convulsions or dramatic behavioral change. In the New Testament, the term does not technically indicate 'madness' or generic 'lunacy,' but reflects a popular physiological understanding of epilepsy. Most English translations render the term as 'epileptic' or 'lunatic,' though the latter reflects a later, less precise sense. It should not be conflated with terms for demon possession, though the conditions might overlap in the ancient mind. The root concept is distinct from terms for possession (e.g., δαιμονίζομαι), as this word points to a specific cause (the moon) rather than a spirit. In Septuagint and early Christian contexts, such afflictions might also be seen as demonic or supernatural in origin, compounding the ambiguity. Modern translations differ as to whether the meaning is physical (epilepsy), psychological (madness), or supernatural (possession).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice or passive from a presumed derivative of σελήνη; to be moon-struck, i.e. crazy:--be a lunatic.
Root Family
σεληνιάζομαι (selēniazomai) — moon, be affected by lunar influence, suffer seizures, be moonstruck
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4583-01 |
σεληνιάζεται | seleniazetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
he is epileptic | is being moonstruck | is being moonstruck | 1 |
G4583-02 |
σεληνιαζομένους | seleniazomenous | V PRS MID PTCP ACC M PL |
epileptics | those being moonstruck | those being moonstruck | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4583-02 |
Matthew 4:24 | σεληνιαζομένους | seleniazomenous | V PRS MID PTCP ACC M PL |
epileptics | those being moonstruck | those being moonstruck |
G4583-01 |
Matthew 17:15 | σεληνιάζεται | seleniazetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
he is epileptic | is being moonstruck | is being moonstruck |