Topical Bible: The Moon: Lunacy Attributed to the Influence of

◄ The Moon: Lunacy Attributed to the Influence of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The moon, a celestial body created by God, holds significant importance in biblical literature and ancient cultural contexts. In the Scriptures, the moon is often mentioned alongside the sun as a part of God's creation, serving as a sign for seasons, days, and years (Genesis 1:14-16). However, beyond its role in marking time, the moon has also been associated with various beliefs and superstitions, including the notion of lunacy or madness.

The term "lunacy" itself is derived from the Latin word "luna," meaning moon, reflecting the ancient belief that the moon could influence human behavior and mental health. This belief was prevalent in many ancient cultures, including those surrounding the biblical world. The idea that the moon could affect mental stability is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, but there are references that suggest a connection between celestial bodies and human experiences.

In the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew recounts an incident where Jesus heals a boy described as "lunatic" or "moonstruck" (Matthew 17:15). The boy's father approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water." The Greek term used here, "selēniazomai," is directly related to the moon, indicating a belief that the boy's condition was influenced by lunar activity. Jesus responds by rebuking the demon, and the boy is healed, demonstrating Christ's authority over all creation, including any perceived influence of the moon.

The association of the moon with mental disturbances can also be seen in the broader context of biblical references to celestial bodies. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the moon was often personified and worshiped as a deity, believed to have power over various aspects of life, including health and fortune. The Israelites were warned against such idolatry and the worship of celestial bodies (Deuteronomy 4:19), emphasizing the sovereignty of the one true God over all creation.

While the Bible does not explicitly endorse the belief that the moon causes lunacy, it acknowledges the cultural context in which such beliefs existed. The healing of the "moonstruck" boy by Jesus serves as a testament to the power of God over all things, challenging the superstitions and fears associated with lunar influence. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's ultimate authority and the futility of attributing divine power to created objects, including the moon.

In summary, the moon is recognized in the Bible as a significant part of God's creation, serving practical purposes in the marking of time. While ancient beliefs attributed lunacy to the moon's influence, the biblical perspective emphasizes God's control over all creation, dismissing the notion that celestial bodies hold sway over human mental health.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 121:6
The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:24
And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought to him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook