Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Probably the same as epileptic, the symptoms of which disease were supposed to be more aggravated as the moon increased. In Matt. 4:24 “lunatics” are distinguished from demoniacs. In 17:15 the name “lunatic” is applied to one who is declared to have been possessed. (See DAEMONIAC.)
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
LU'NATIC. It was formerly supposed that the changes of the moon (Luna) had an influence upon certain diseases of a paroxysmal character, and persons affected with those diseases were therefore called lunatics; hence, distracted persons who are sane at intervals are still called lunatics though the idea of their being at all under the influence of the moon is generally regarded as irrational. In the two places in which the word occurs in our
translation of the Bible, Matt 4:24; Lev 17:15, it seems to be nearly identical with "epileptic."
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
LU'NATIC. It was formerly supposed that the changes of the moon (Luna) had an influence upon certain diseases of a paroxysmal character, and persons affected with those diseases were therefore called lunatics; hence, distracted persons who are sane at intervals are still called lunatics though the idea of their being at all under the influence of the moon is generally regarded as irrational. In the two places in which the word occurs in our
translation of the Bible, Matt 4:24; Lev 17:15, it seems to be nearly identical with "epileptic." LUST was not used formerly in its present restricted sense, but of any strong desire. In the A.V. it is the translation of three Hebrew and four Greek words. "To lust" appears six times in the A.V. Ps 81:12; Rom 1:24-27.