Brief Overview of σεληνιάζομαι (Strong’s G4583: selēniazomai)

Strong’s G4583: A verb meaning “to be moonstruck” or “lunatic,” derived from σελήνη (moon). In New Testament usage, it describes a condition characterized by epileptic-like symptoms, which ancient culture often attributed to lunar influence. The term appears in contexts of Jesus’ healing ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

σεληνιάζομαι represents a complex intersection of ancient medical understanding and spiritual affliction. First appearing in Matthew 4:24, it describes a condition that modern readers might identify as epilepsy, though ancient understanding attributed it to lunar influence. The word’s use in Gospel narratives emphasizes Jesus’ authority over both physical and spiritual afflictions. Early church writers saw these healings as demonstrations of Christ’s power over nature and supernatural forces. Today, it reminds us that Jesus has authority over all forms of suffering, whether their origins are physical, spiritual, or both.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σεληνιάζομαι, selēniazomai, seh-lay-nee-AD-zo-my
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on fourth syllable: ‘seh’ as in set, ‘lay’ as in lay, ‘nee’ as in knee, ‘AD’ as in add, ‘zo’ as in zoo, ‘my’ as in me
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σελήνη (selēnē) – moon
• -ιάζω (-iazō): Verbal suffix indicating “to be affected by”
• -μαι (-mai): Middle/passive voice ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To be moonstruck
• To have epileptic-like seizures
• To suffer from periodic illness

For compound words:
The components work together:

• σελήν- provides the connection to the moon
• -ιάζομαι indicates being affected by or under the influence of

Translation Options:

• “To be epileptic” – Modern medical understanding
• “To be moonstruck” – Literal translation preserving cultural context
• “To have seizures” – Functional equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δαιμονίζομαι (daimonizomai, dai-mo-NID-zo-mai) – to be demon possessed See G1139
• καταλαμβάνω (katalambanō, ka-ta-lam-BA-no) – to seize See G2638
• βασανίζω (basanizō, ba-sa-NID-zo) – to torment See G928

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive only
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 3rd person typically
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Example conjugations:
Present: σεληνιάζεται (he/she is moonstruck)
Participle: σεληνιαζόμενος (being moonstruck)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes its connection to epileptic symptoms while acknowledging ancient beliefs about lunar influence. Thayer’s emphasizes its derivation from σελήνη. LSJ provides evidence of its use in medical texts. Vine’s discusses its relationship to similar conditions in ancient literature. Strong’s connects it to periodic afflictions. Moulton-Milligan documents its use in ancient medical terminology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” Matthew 4:24

Additional References:
Matthew 17:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σεληνιάζομαι illustrates how Jesus meets people in their cultural understanding while demonstrating His power over all afflictions. His healing of those described as “moonstruck” shows His compassion and authority over both natural and supernatural causes of suffering. This reminds us that Christ is the ultimate healer who brings wholeness to body, mind, and spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term influenced the Latin “lunaticus,” from which we get the English word “lunatic.”
2. Ancient medical writers debated whether the condition was actually influenced by lunar phases.
3. Early church fathers used these healings to demonstrate Christ’s authority over creation and spiritual forces.

Strong’s G4583: A verb meaning “to be moonstruck” or “lunatic,” derived from σελήνη (moon). In New Testament usage, it describes a condition characterized by epileptic-like symptoms, which ancient culture often attributed to lunar influence. The term appears in contexts of Jesus’ healing ministry.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: epilepsy, healing, moon influence, Jesus’ miracles, medical conditions, demon possession, Matthew’s Gospel, ancient medicine, divine healing, afflictions, supernatural healing, lunar effects​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​