The Bible often associates physical ailments, like seizures, with deeper spiritual meanings, but does it offer guidance for those affected by them today? While some passages mention seizures, the overall message is one of compassion and healing, pointing to faith as a source of strength in difficult times.
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What Does The Bible Say About Seizures
Matthew 17:15
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.”
This verse highlights a desperate plea for help from a father whose son suffers from seizures. It illustrates the debilitating impact of seizures on the boy’s life, as he is at risk of harm from falling into dangerous situations.
The father recognizes the power and mercy of the Lord, turning to Jesus as the source of healing and relief from the seizures that torment his son.
Mark 9:17-18
“A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
In this passage, a man describes his son’s seizures, which are attributed to a possessing spirit. The seizures are severe, causing the boy to lose his speech and experience physical distress.
Despite the disciples’ inability to help, the man turns to Jesus, recognizing His authority and power to deliver his son from the tormenting spirit.
Luke 9:39
“A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him.”
This verse depicts the destructive effect of a seizing spirit on an individual. The seizures are intense, causing the person to scream, convulse, and foam at the mouth.
The desperate plea for deliverance reveals the urgency in seeking relief from the torment caused by the ongoing and relentless presence of the seizing spirit.
Mark 5:4-5
“For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.”
This passage describes a man who is plagued by seizures that manifest as intense strength and self-destructive behavior. Even when restrained, he breaks free from chains and inflicts harm upon himself.
The severity of his condition is evident in his constant cries and self-inflicted wounds. It emphasizes the unsettling and distressing nature of his seizures.
Matthew 4:24
“News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.”
In this verse, Jesus is depicted as a healer who had a reputation for curing various afflictions, including seizures. The mention of seizures emphasizes both their prevalence and the hope for relief through Jesus’ healing ministry.
It highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ healing, as people from all walks of life, including those with seizures, were welcomed and received healing from their afflictions.
Matthew 9:32-33
“While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
This passage recounts the healing of a man who was both unable to talk and possessed by a demon. Although not explicitly mentioned as seizures, his inability to speak could be related to the condition.
The miraculous healing astonishes the crowd, highlighting the power and authority of Jesus over afflictions that hinder communication and expression.
Mark 7:32-35
“There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (which means ‘Be opened!’). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak plainly.”
Although this passage does not explicitly mention seizures, it portrays Jesus’ healing power over afflictions that hinder communication and speech.
The man’s difficulty in speaking and hearing may have adversely affected his quality of life, and Jesus’ healing touch restores his ability to speak plainly and hear clearly.
Luke 13:11-13
“And a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”
This account does not directly mention seizures, but it highlights Jesus’ ability to heal and set free those suffering from debilitating physical conditions.
The woman’s bent posture symbolizes the burden she carried, and her immediate healing demonstrates Jesus’ power to restore physical wholeness and inspire worship.
Mark 1:32-34
“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.”
In this passage, people suffering from various diseases, including seizures caused by demonic possession, are brought to Jesus for healing.
The mention of seizures underscores their prevalence and the need for divine intervention. Jesus’ authority over the demons and His ability to heal multitudes reflect His power to bring relief to those suffering from seizures.
Matthew 12:22
“Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.”
This verse highlights the healing of a man possessed by a demon, resulting in both blindness and muteness.
Although not explicitly attributed to seizures, the associated inability to communicate and perceive the world emphasizes the impact of the demonic affliction on the man’s life.
Matthew 17:18
“Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.”
This verse portrays Jesus’ authority to rebuke and cast out the seizing spirit or demon afflicting the boy.
The immediate healing upon Jesus’ intervention demonstrates His power to bring deliverance from seizures and restore wholeness to those suffering from similar afflictions.
Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
This verse envisions the signs that will accompany believers in Christ. The mention of “driving out demons” underscores the spiritual authority bestowed on believers through their faith.
While not explicitly focusing on seizures, it emphasizes the power of believers to confront and overcome spiritual afflictions, demonstrating the potential for deliverance from seizures through faith in Christ.
James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
These verses instruct believers to seek the prayers and anointing of the church elders for healing when they are sick. Although not specifically mentioning seizures, the passage emphasizes the efficacy of prayer offered in faith and the Lord’s willingness to bring healing and restoration.
It encourages believers to seek spiritual support and intercession in times of physical affliction, including seizures, knowing that God is able to bring about healing and forgiveness.
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
This verse references the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross, highlighting the spiritual healing and redemption made possible through His wounds.
Though not directly connected to seizures, it offers hope and affirmation of the healing power of Jesus, extending to all aspects of human brokenness, including physical and spiritual afflictions such as seizures.
Acts 8:7
“For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.”
This verse describes the powerful deliverance and healing that accompanied Philip’s preaching in Samaria.
While not explicitly mentioning seizures, it underscores the indiscriminate nature of healing, extending to various afflictions, physical disabilities, and spiritual strongholds.
Acts 19:12
“So that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them.”
This verse recounts the miraculous healing that occurred through objects that had touched the apostle Paul.
Although not directly linked to seizures, it reinforces the belief in the power of God to bring about supernatural healing, even through unconventional means, and provides a source of hope for those seeking relief from seizures.
Exodus 23:25
“Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.”
In this verse, God promises His people blessings and protection from sickness as they worship and honor Him.
Though not explicitly referring to seizures, it highlights the divine intention for health and well-being and encourages faith in God’s provision for healing, including the relief from seizures.
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
These words express a heartfelt plea for healing from the prophet Jeremiah.
While not directly connected to seizures, it exemplifies the faith and reliance on God as the ultimate healer and source of deliverance from afflictions, including seizures.
Psalm 103:2-3
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
These verses affirm the goodness of God and His capacity to forgive sins and heal diseases.
Although seizures are not explicitly mentioned, the passage invites believers to remember God’s faithfulness in past healings and encourages trust in His ability to heal all forms of diseases, including seizures.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This verse speaks to the conditions for national healing, emphasizing the importance of humility, prayer, seeking God, and turning from wickedness.
While not explicitly addressing seizures, it underscores the principle that spiritual transformation and repentance can lead to divine healing, providing hope for individuals seeking relief from various afflictions, including seizures.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse celebrates the intricate design of human beings, acknowledging that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
Although not specifically addressing seizures, it affirms the inherent worth and value of individuals with seizures, instilling a sense of dignity and self-worth in those who struggle with seizures.
Matthew 10:1
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
This verse reveals Jesus’ commissioning of His disciples, giving them authority to cast out impure spirits and heal every form of disease and sickness.
While seizures are not explicitly mentioned, it highlights the disciples’ participation in Jesus’ ministry of healing, instilling hope for deliverance from seizures through the authority of Jesus.
Mark 6:13
“They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
This verse depicts the disciples carrying out Jesus’ commission, driving out demons and anointing the sick with oil, resulting in healing.
Although not specifically concerning seizures, it highlights the disciples’ involvement in healing and their ability, through the power of Christ, to bring relief and restoration to those suffering from various ailments, including seizures.