The term "maddening" in a biblical context often refers to actions, influences, or substances that lead individuals away from rational thought, self-control, or godly behavior. It is associated with chaos, confusion, and a departure from divine wisdom. The Bible frequently warns against behaviors and influences that can lead to a state of madness or spiritual disarray.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of madness is sometimes linked to divine judgment or the consequences of sin. For example, in Deuteronomy 28:28, as part of the curses for disobedience, it is written: "The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind." Here, madness is depicted as a form of divine retribution, a state of mental turmoil resulting from turning away from God's commandments.

The prophets also speak of maddening influences, particularly in the context of idolatry and false worship. Jeremiah 25:16 describes the nations drinking the cup of God's wrath, leading them to stagger and act madly: "They will drink and stagger and go out of their minds because of the sword that I will send among them." This imagery conveys the idea that turning away from God leads to a loss of spiritual and moral clarity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of madness is often associated with demonic influence or possession. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons, who exhibits behavior that could be described as mad. The man lives among the tombs, unable to be restrained, crying out and cutting himself with stones. Jesus' healing of the man restores him to his right mind, illustrating the power of Christ to overcome spiritual chaos and restore order.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against behaviors that lead to spiritual madness, such as drunkenness and debauchery. In Ephesians 5:18, he writes: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, Paul contrasts the maddening effects of alcohol with the clarity and wisdom that come from being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Symbolic and Prophetic Usage

The Book of Revelation uses the imagery of madness to describe the spiritual and moral corruption of Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God. Revelation 18:3 states: "For all the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury." The "wine of the passion" suggests a maddening influence that leads nations and leaders away from righteousness.

Practical Implications

From a biblical perspective, believers are called to avoid influences that lead to spiritual madness. This includes abstaining from substances and behaviors that impair judgment and lead to sin. Instead, Christians are encouraged to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which brings peace, clarity, and self-control.

The Bible's warnings about madness serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a sober mind and a steadfast heart, focused on God's truth and righteousness.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Madden.

The Exordium.
... by the Holy Spirit and the prophetic gift, and not a little puffed up, and forgetting
entirely the Lord's distinction, challenged the maddening and insidious ...
/.../urbanus/the extant writings of asterius urbanus/i the exordium.htm

About the Young Man who Killed the Maiden.
... with another. The apostle, having heard this, said: O maddening intercourse,
into what shamelessness dost thou lead! O unrestrained ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/about the young man who.htm

Rest, Rest
... of the music, in the very midst of all the bells, the sweetness changed to a horrible
clash, the charming sounds were transformed into a maddening din; not the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/rest rest.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... Men of genius and education were there. Princes and statesmen drank wine
like water and reveled under its maddening influence. With ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

The Net Broken
... presence. The womanly courage that risks life for love's sake is nobler than
the soldier's that feels the lust of battle maddening him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net broken.htm

Dangerous Effects to Religion and Morality of the Doctrine of So ...
... God? Why do you not frequent the customary pleasures of the maddening circus,
the bloodthirsty arena, and the lascivious theatre? ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii dangerous effects to religion.htm

Moreover, by his Own Power He not Only Performed those Miraculous ...
... By a word He assuaged the racking pains of the aching members; and by a
word they checked the writhings of maddening sufferings. ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/50 moreover by his own.htm

For Suppose that it had Occurred to Us, Moved Either by Suitable ...
... by the pollution of lewd lust, who, decking yourself with rouge and a harlot's arts,
roused upon yourself even your father's passions, full of maddening desires ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/16 for suppose that it.htm

What, Then, Constrains You, what Excites You to Revile...
... crime? [3389] What has He done to turn aside the course of justice, and
rouse you to hatred made fierce by maddening torments? Is ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/64 what then constrains you.htm

July 31:
... So maddening now becomes the mystery that men are compelled to construct an
Environment for themselves. No Environment here is unthinkable. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/beautiful thoughts/july 31 0 0.htm

Maddening (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Madden. Multi-Version Concordance
Maddening (2 Occurrences). Revelation 14:8 And another ...
/m/maddening.htm - 7k

Madai (2 Occurrences)

/m/madai.htm - 7k

Made (16270 Occurrences)

/m/made.htm - 7k

What is the meaning of porneia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Maddening: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus