Ark of the Covenant - Bible History Online
Bible History

Naves Topical Bible Dictionary

palsy Summary and Overview

Bible Dictionaries at a GlanceBible Dictionaries at a Glance

palsy in Easton's Bible Dictionary

a shorter form of "paralysis." Many persons thus afflicted were cured by our Lord (Matt. 4:24; 8:5-13; 9:2-7; Mark 2:3-11; Luke 7:2-10; John 5:5-7) and the apostles (Acts 8:7; 9:33, 34).

palsy in Smith's Bible Dictionary

(contracted from paralysis). The loss of sensation or the power of motion, or both, in any part of the body. The infirmities included under this name in the New Testament were various:-- 1. The paralytic shock affecting the whole body, or apoplexy. 2. That affecting only one side. 3. Affecting the whole system below the neck. 4. Catalepsy, caused by the contraction of the muscles in the whole or a part of the body. This was very dangerous and often fatal. The part affected remains immovable and diminishes in size and dries up. A hand thus affected was called "a withered hand." #Mt 12:10-13| 5. Cramp. This was a most dreadful disease caused by the chills of the nights. The limbs remain immovably fixed in the same position as when seized as it, and the person seems like one suffering torture. It is frequently followed in a few days by death. Several paralytics were cured by Jesus. #Mt 4:24; 8:13| etc.

palsy in Schaff's Bible Dictionary

PAL'SY (contr. from paralysis), a disease which deprives the part affected of sensation or the power of motion, or of both, according as the sensory or the motor nerves, or both, are attacked. As the term is used in the N.T. it imports apoplexy, or paralysis of the whole system; paralysis of one side; a paralysis affecting the whole body below the neck; and a paralysis caused by a contraction of the muscles, so that the limbs can be neither drawn up nor extended, and soon become emaciated and dried up. 1 Kgs 13:4-6; Matt 4:24; Matt 12:10-13; Luke 6:6; John 5:5-7. A fearful form of this disease is known in Eastern countries. The limbs remain immovably fixed in the position in which they were at the time of the attack, and the suffering is so exquisitely severe that death is often occasioned in a few days. Matt 8:6.

palsy in Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Paralysis affecting part of the body. The "grievously tormented" (Matthew 8:6) refers to the convulsions, foamings, and heavy breathings of the sufferer, giving the appearance of torment, whether himself conscious of pain or not.