σεληνιάζομαι

The Greek word σεληνιάζομαι (selēniazomai) is a verb that means "to be epileptic." It appears only twice in the Bible, indicating a relatively rare or specific usage. This word is likely derived from the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, which may suggest a connection to the lunar cycle or the mythological associations of epilepsy with the moon. The significance of this word lies in its unique meaning, which provides insight into the ancient understanding of epilepsy. In the context of the Bible, this word likely refers to a condition characterized by seizures or convulsions, which were often viewed as a supernatural or divine affliction. The rarity of this word in the biblical text suggests that epilepsy was not a common or well-understood condition in ancient times.