μανία (mania)
mania
insanity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun mania describes a state of violent frenzy or insanity. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Acts 26:24, where Festus declares that Paul’s extensive learning has driven him mad. The word carries the weight of uncontrollable agitation, suggesting a mind overwhelmed to the point of irrationality.
Its root connects to verbs meaning to rage or be furious, linking it to a loss of self-control rather than simple error. Translators typically render it as "madness" or "frenzy," capturing the intensity of Festus’s reaction to Paul’s defense. The term highlights how profound conviction can appear as insanity to those outside the faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word mania describes a state of violent frenzy or insanity. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Acts 26:24, where Festus declares that Paul’s extensive learning has driven him mad. The word carries the weight of uncontrollable agitation, suggesting a mind overwhelmed to the point of irrationality.
Its root connects to verbs meaning to rage or be furious, linking it to a loss of self-control rather than simple error. Translators typically render it as "madness" or "frenzy," capturing the intensity of Festus’s reaction to Paul’s defense. The term highlights how profound conviction can appear as insanity to those outside the faith.
This single occurrence reminds us that sharing deep spiritual truths may sometimes be misunderstood or dismissed by those who do not share our perspective. It encourages patience and clarity when explaining our beliefs, knowing that God understands our hearts even when others do not.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- insanity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μανίαν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 26:24
As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
Festus uses this word to accuse Paul of madness due to his extensive learning and passionate defense of the resurrection.