The term "demented" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of mental disturbance or madness is addressed in various passages. In biblical times, mental illness was often perceived as a spiritual or moral issue, sometimes attributed to demonic influence or divine judgment.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, King Saul is a prominent figure who exhibits signs of mental disturbance. After the Spirit of the Lord departs from him, Saul is tormented by an evil spirit. 1 Samuel 16:14 states, "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." Saul's erratic behavior, including his attempts to kill David, can be seen as manifestations of his troubled mind.

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, also experiences a period of madness as a result of his pride. Daniel 4:33 describes this event: "At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind, ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird." This episode is interpreted as divine judgment, leading to his eventual humility and restoration.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, demonic possession is often associated with symptoms that could be interpreted as mental illness. Jesus frequently encounters individuals possessed by demons, whom He heals by casting out the spirits. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus heals a man possessed by a legion of demons. The man is described as living among the tombs, unable to be restrained, and crying out night and day. After Jesus casts out the demons, the man is found "sitting there, clothed and in his right mind" (Mark 5:15).

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also addresses the concept of a sound mind. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , he writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." The term "self-control" can be understood as having a sound or disciplined mind, contrasting with the idea of being demented or mentally disturbed.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

From a biblical perspective, mental disturbance is often linked to spiritual and moral conditions. The Bible emphasizes the importance of a sound mind, which is associated with spiritual well-being and alignment with God's will. Believers are encouraged to renew their minds through the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

While the Bible does not provide a modern clinical understanding of mental illness, it offers spiritual insights into the importance of mental health and the transformative power of God's presence in restoring a sound mind.(a.) Insane; mad; of unsound mind.7696. shaga -- to be mad
... root Definition to be mad NASB Word Usage act the madman (1), behaving as a madman
(1), demented (1), driven mad (1), mad fellow (1), madman (1), madmen (1). ...
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Exhortations to those who are Called
... Nay, not only pity sinners, but pray for them. Though they curse, do you pray;
you will pray for persons demented; sinners are demented. ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

The Example Set us by the Martyrs, whom no Force could Hinder from ...
... For who is there so demented, who, though not able to overtake, does not at least
earnestly desire to follow those whom no force could deter from defending the ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter v the example set.htm

Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare"
... He had been demented, he had put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, darkness
for light and light for darkness; he had injured himself, and had done for his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/number one thousand or bread.htm

The Example of Pope Stephen in Resisting the Iteration of Baptism. ...
... For who is so demented as to doubt that that blessed light among all holy bishops
and martyrs, Cyprian, together with the rest of his colleagues, will reign ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter vi the example of.htm

Gregory Further Shows that the Only-Begotten Being Begotten not ...
... For what is the sense of "dividing His own essence by begetting, and being at once
begetter and begotten?" Who is so distracted, who is so demented, as to make ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 7 gregory further shows.htm

Another Recognition.
... my lord Faustinianus, who has been so long afflicted, wandering from city to city
in search of me?" While she shouted thus like one demented, and gazed around ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxxvii another recognition.htm

Whether Adultery is Determinate Species of Lust, Distinct from the ...
... others. Objection 2: Further, Jerome says [*Contra Jovin. i]: "It matters
not for what reason a man behaves as one demented. Hence ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether adultery is determinate species.htm

Whether those who have not the Use of Reason Ought to Receive this ...
... But as to baptized persons who are vexed in body by unclean spirits, the same
reason holds good of them as of others who are demented. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether those who have not.htm

Whether Cowardice* is a Greater vice than Intemperance? [*Cf. Q ]
... First, because the more sound-minded a man is, the more grievous his sin,
wherefore sins are not imputed to those who are demented. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether cowardice is a greater.htm

Whether the Incontinent in Anger is Worse than the Incontinent in ...
... excused from sin if the passion be so vehement as to deprive one of the judgment
of reason, as in the case of one who becomes demented through passion. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the incontinent in anger.htm

Demented (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Insane; mad; of unsound mind. Multi-Version Concordance
Demented (1 Occurrence). Hosea 9:7 The days of visitation have come. ...
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Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

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Demeanour (3 Occurrences)

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Crazy (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Broken, weakened, or disordered in intellect; shattered; demented; deranged.
3. (a.) Inordinately desirous; foolishly eager. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/crazy.htm - 8k

Demented: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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