King Nebuchadnezzar: Boanthropy?

King Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon (605-562 BC). According to the book of Daniel, he conquered Judah and Jerusalem, sent Jews into exile and built the hanging Gardens of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful King but he had a dream that disturbed him deeply  (2:1-3). Looking for an interpretation he called upon magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners but they could not help. However, the prophet Daniel interpreted the dream and declared that God was telling the king that because of his sins he would be removed from the kingdom for seven years, and he would live amongst the animals as an ox.

Nebuchadnezzar’s mental state became rather graphic. “Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.” (4:33)

The metamorphosis of humans into animals is known as therianthropy. The most known form is lycanthropy, the belief that one is a werewolf. Cynanthropy, another example, dates back to ancient Greece and refers to when someone alternates between human and dog. Regarding Nebuchadnezzar, it is believed that he suffered from boanthropy, a rare delusional disorder. Boanthropy is the belief that the individual is an animal, ox, cow or other animal and they develop anti-social tendencies, preferring the food of animals, like grass and water.

Differential diagnosis, schizophrenia as evidenced in social withdrawal, depersonalization, loss of appetite, loss of hygiene, delusions and hallucinations. Another option is porphyria, a group enzyme disorder that manifests neurological symptoms including hallucinations, depression, anxiety and paranoia. Or paralytic dementia caused by syphilis. However, it is believed that boanthropy is the better diagnosis for Nebuchadnezzar. 

Nebuchadnezzar is apparently the most known example of boanthropy. Interestingly, in 1946 R.K. Harrison (1920-1993), a British scholar, claimed that he observed someone with boanthropy in a mental hospital in the UK.

Daniel 4:34 records, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honoured and glorified him who lives forever.”

Nebuchadnezzar suffered greatly. Biblical scholars believe this was a punishment from God for his morally deprived character and arrogance.

What would you do if your client developed symptoms of boanthropy?