Encyclopedia entry

Madness

This word is used in its proper sense in Deut. 28:34, John 10:20, 1 Cor. 14:23. It also denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes, as over-study (Eccl. 1:17; 2:12), blind rage (Luke 6:11), or a depraved temper (Eccl. 7:25; 9:3; 2 Pet. 2:16). David feigned madness (1 Sam. 21:13) at Gath because he “was sore afraid of Achish.”

Also from Smith's (1884) +

In Scripture “madness” is recognized as a derangement proceeding either from weakness and misdirection of intellect or from ungovernable violence of passion. In one passage alone, (John 10:20) is madness expressly connected with demoniacal possession by the Jews in their cavil against our Lord; in none is it referred to any physical causes.

In the Bible

Verses where Madness is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).

1 Samuel 21:13
So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard.
2 Peter 2:16
But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
Acts 26:24
At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
Deuteronomy 28:28
The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind,
Ecclesiastes 1:17
So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:12
Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished?

+5 more verses naming Madness.

Scripture on Madness

See all 13 +

Madness references

See all 7 +

Voices on Madness

Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.