“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.” (Luke 8:2)
The Aramaic word for demons is shedy, the cause of insanity and wrong thoughts. Shedana, [a] demonic, is one whose mind is deranged. This term does not always imply the person suffers from violent insanity. It is also used of those who act queer or make mistakes, and sinners. Shedana or demonic is furthermore a general term commonly used in Oriental speech without any reference to insanity. Even wise men often call each other shedana with reference to any errors of judgment.
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Author: George M. Lamsa
Keywords: Seven devils, Demons, Evil spirit, Mental illness, Demonology, Wicked spirits
Bible reference(s): Luke 8:2
Source: Gospel Light (San Francisco: Harper & Row), pg. 254.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.