Trance
“A standing outside oneself, ecstasy”
Summary
A trance (Greek ekstasis, 'ecstasy') was a supernatural state in which a person, while seemingly unconscious of external surroundings, received divine visions and revelations.
☩Definition and Nature
The Greek word ekstasis signifies 'standing out' of oneself, or outside one's ordinary consciousness. In this state, the person is partially or wholly unconscious of objective sensations but intensely alive to subjective impressions felt as revelations from without. The person seems as if 'out of the body,' with normal physical faculties suspended while the mind receives divine communication. The Septuagint uses the same word for the 'deep sleep' that fell upon Adam and Abraham.
☩Biblical Instances
Peter fell into a trance on the rooftop at Joppa and saw the vision of the sheet descending from heaven containing all manner of creatures, preparing him for his mission to the Gentile Cornelius. Paul, while praying in the Temple, fell into a trance and saw the Lord, receiving his commission: 'Depart, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' Balaam prophesied as one who 'falling, yet with opened eyes' saw the vision of God—overpowered by divine inspiration.
☩Related Experiences
Similar phenomena appear throughout Scripture though not always designated by the same term. Abraham's 'deep sleep' and 'horror of great darkness' accompanied divine revelation. Saul, under prophetic influence, prophesied and 'fell down all that day and all that night.' Ezekiel's visions came with overwhelming physical effects. John was 'in the Spirit' when he received the Revelation. These varied experiences share the common element of normal consciousness being suspended for divine communication.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Trance," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Trance," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Trance," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Trance," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).