In biblical times, individuals suffering from epilepsy were often described as being "seized" or "possessed" by spirits. The condition, characterized by sudden and recurrent seizures, was not understood in medical terms as it is today. Instead, it was frequently associated with spiritual or demonic activity.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 4:24 : "News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them." This verse highlights the healing ministry of Jesus, who was known for His compassion and power to heal all manner of diseases, including those suffering from seizures. The term "seizures" here is often interpreted as referring to epilepsy.

2. Matthew 17:14-18 : "When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him. 'Lord, have mercy on my son,' he said. 'He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.' 'O unbelieving and perverse generation,' Jesus replied, 'How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.' Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment." This passage illustrates the belief in a spiritual cause for the boy's condition, as Jesus rebukes a demon to heal him. The narrative underscores the authority of Jesus over spiritual forces and His ability to restore health.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, epilepsy was often misunderstood and feared. The lack of medical knowledge led to various interpretations of the condition, frequently attributing it to supernatural causes. In Jewish culture, as reflected in the biblical texts, there was a strong belief in the influence of spiritual beings on physical health. This belief is evident in the way Jesus' healings are described, often involving the casting out of demons.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the healing of epileptics by Jesus is seen as a demonstration of His divine authority and compassion. It reflects the broader biblical theme of Jesus as the Great Physician, who not only addresses physical ailments but also spiritual bondage. The accounts of healing serve as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking divine intervention in times of distress.

Practical Application:

For believers, the biblical accounts of Jesus healing those with seizures encourage a compassionate response to individuals suffering from epilepsy and other medical conditions. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and faith in seeking healing and support. While modern medicine provides explanations and treatments for epilepsy, the spiritual dimension of care, as exemplified by Jesus, remains a vital aspect of Christian ministry and pastoral care.4583. seleniazomai -- to be moonstruck, spec. be epileptic ...
... Word Origin from selene Definition to be moonstruck, spec. be epileptic (supposedly
influenced by the moon) NASB Word Usage epileptics (1), lunatic (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4583.htm - 7k

Spiritual Epileptics.
... Book XIII. 4. Spiritual Epileptics. But since our present object is not
to make inquiry about every case, but about the passage ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/4 spiritual epileptics.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew
... 2. "The Spirit and Power of Elijah"--Not the Soul--Were in the Baptist. 3. Concerning
the Epileptic. 4. Spiritual Epileptics. 5. The Deaf and Dumb Spirit. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... reading and conversation, a brief anecdote was related by a clergyman living in
La Force, who established there an institution for epileptics, where he has now ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

[Endnotes]
The Ancient Church. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Epileptics (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Epileptics (1 Occurrence). Matthew 4:24 The report
about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him ...
/e/epileptics.htm - 6k

Epileptic (2 Occurrences)
... They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,
possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. ...
/e/epileptic.htm - 7k

Epiphanes

/e/epiphanes.htm - 8k

Various (52 Occurrences)
... They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,
possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. ...
/v/various.htm - 22k

Thus (1271 Occurrences)
... through all Syria; and they brought all the sick to Him, the people who were suffering
from various diseases and pains--demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and ...
/t/thus.htm - 33k

Report (127 Occurrences)
... They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,
possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. ...
/r/report.htm - 38k

Demoniacs (5 Occurrences)
... through all Syria; and they brought all the sick to Him, the people who were suffering
from various diseases and pains--demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and ...
/d/demoniacs.htm - 7k

Possessed (100 Occurrences)
... They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,
possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. ...
/p/possessed.htm - 37k

Paralytics (2 Occurrences)
... They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,
possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. ...
/p/paralytics.htm - 7k

Pains (59 Occurrences)
... through all Syria; and they brought all the sick to Him, the people who were suffering
from various diseases and pains--demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and ...
/p/pains.htm - 23k

Is epilepsy mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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