Daemoniac
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Daemoniac in the Bible?
In first-century Judea and New Testament narratives, the term described individuals whose behaviors or conditions were attributed to the influence of a supernatural spirit.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this concept reveals how ancient audiences interpreted physical and mental distress as spiritual conflict, clarifying their perception of the interaction between the human and spiritual realms within biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Daemoniac. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Daemoniac in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Daemoniac clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Daemoniac." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/daemoniac/