The Greek noun dysenteria refers to dysentery or severe intestinal illness — a condition involving bloody flux and violent inflammation. It appears in Acts 28:8 in the account of Paul's healing ministry on the island of Malta.
Dysenteria appears in Acts 28:8, where Publius, the chief official of Malta, has a father 'suffering from fever and dysentery.' Paul went to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him. This precipitated a widespread healing ministry across the island. The word grounds the miracle firmly in physical, medical reality — not vague spiritual feelings but a diagnosed, documented illness. The healing of dysenteria points to the holistic salvation Jesus brings, healing the whole person (body and soul) and commissioning His servants to continue His ministry of compassion.