A term used in two different senses. The OT suggests that God may occasionally inflict a state of insanity upon individuals as a punishment. The term may also be used of someone whose words or actions are difficult to understand or easy to reject, as with Jesus Christ's preaching and healing.

Jeremiah 25:15-16

Madness as a punishment

See also

Deuteronomy 28:28,32-34
Jeremiah 50:35-38; 51:7
Daniel 4:28-37
Zechariah 12:4
Ecclesiastes 7:25

Madness linked with folly

See also

Proverbs 26:18
Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:12; 9:3; 10:13
2 Peter 2:16
John 10:19-21

Accusations of madness against God's servants

See also

2 Kings 9:1-11
Jeremiah 29:25-28
Hosea 9:7-8
Matthew 12:24
Acts 26:24-25

pp Mk 3:20-22

2 Corinthians 5:13

pp Lk 11:15

Psalms 34:1 Title

David feigned madness to save his life

See also

1 Samuel 21:10-15

See also

1025 God, anger of
2351 Christ, miracles
4130 demons
5089 David, significance
5482 punishment
6230 rejection
8757 folly, effects of