Bible Dictionary · M
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; Eccl 2:12), blind rage (Luke 6:11), or a depraved temper (Eccl 7:25; Eccl 9:3; 2 Pet. 2 Pet 2:16). David feigned madness (1 Sam 21:13) at Gath because he “was sore afraid of Achish.”
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.