What is a…
demoniac

Greek: δαιμονίζομαι —transliteration: daimonizomai —meaning: to be possessed by a demon

also known as: daemoniac, demon-possessed, demonized

one “possessed with a devil”

In the days of our Lord and his apostles, evil spirits, “demons,” were mysteriously permitted by God to exercise an influence both over the souls and bodies of men, inflicting dumbness (Matthew 9:32), blindness (12:22), epilepsy (Mark 9:17-27), insanity (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1-5).

Demoniacs are frequently distinguished from those who are afflicted with ordinary physical maladies (Mark 1:32; 16:17-18; Luke 6:17-18).

The demons speak in their own persons (Matthew 8:29; Mark 1:23-24; 5:7). This influence is clearly distinguished from the ordinary power of corruption and of temptation over men. In the demoniac, his personality seems to be destroyed, and his actions, words, and even thoughts to be overborne by the evil spirit (Mark, l.c.; Acts 19:15).

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Article Version: October 2, 2019