Brief Overview of ἐκθαμβέω (Strong’s G1568: ekthambéō)

Introduction

The study of Greek words in Biblical texts provides significant insights into the meanings and nuances behind key passages. One such word is ἐκθαμβέω (ekthambéō), which carries a powerful connotation of amazement, astonishment, or even terror. Understanding this term is crucial for interpreting certain New Testament passages, particularly those involving miraculous events or divine encounters. The word reflects the intensity of emotions experienced in such moments and is a valuable lens through which to view the human reactions to the divine in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐκθαμβέω (ekthambéō) [ek-tham-BEH-o]
• Etymology: The word is derived from two components: the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb θαμβέω (thambéō), meaning “to be amazed” or “astonished.” The combination intensifies the action, implying a state of being utterly astonished or struck with awe.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative, 1st person singular form: ἐκθαμβῶ)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To be utterly amazed or astonished: The primary meaning of ἐκθαμβέω is to be struck with an overwhelming sense of wonder or amazement, often in response to something extraordinary or unexpected.
• To be alarmed or terrified: In some contexts, the word can also imply a sense of fear or terror, particularly in response to an awe-inspiring or frightening event.

Similar Words:

• θαμβέω (thambéō) [tham-BEH-o]: A related verb meaning “to be amazed” or “astonished.” Without the prefix ἐκ-, it lacks the intensified meaning found in ἐκθαμβέω.
• ἔκπλησσω (ékplēssō) [ek-PLAY-so]: Another Greek verb that can convey astonishment or amazement, though it often carries a stronger sense of being overwhelmed or stunned.

Further Insights

• Morphology: The verb ἐκθαμβέω follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns in the present tense, with the prefix ἐκ- (out of) adding an intensified sense of astonishment to the root verb θαμβέω. This intensification emphasizes the depth of the emotional reaction.

Declension Chart

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes ἐκθαμβέω as a verb meaning “to be overwhelmed with amazement,” particularly in response to divine actions or miraculous events.
• Thayer’s: Notes that the word implies a state of being “greatly astonished, awestruck, or terrified,” emphasizing the emotional intensity.
• Vine’s: Highlights the word’s usage in the New Testament to denote a strong reaction of amazement or fear, often in the presence of the divine.
• LSJ: Lists ἐκθαμβέω as a verb used to express extreme astonishment or fear, commonly found in contexts involving encounters with the supernatural.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies the term as conveying an “intensified state of amazement or fear,” especially in response to extraordinary events.

Scripture References:

• Mark 14:33: “And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled (ἐκθαμβέω).”
• Mark 16:5: “And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed (ἐκθαμβέω).”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκθαμβέω is used to describe moments of profound astonishment or fear, often in response to encounters with the divine or the extraordinary.

Summary of ἐκθαμβέω (G1568: ekthambéō)

The Greek verb ἐκθαμβέω (ekthambéō) is a powerful term used to describe an intense emotional reaction, whether it be amazement, awe, or fear. This word is particularly significant in the New Testament, where it often appears in contexts involving divine encounters or miraculous events, highlighting the profound impact these moments had on those who witnessed them. Understanding ἐκθαμβέω allows us to grasp the depth of human responses to the divine, providing insight into the cultural and religious milieu of the ancient world. The word’s usage in both biblical and classical Greek texts underscores its importance in conveying moments of intense emotional and spiritual significance.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκθαμβέω is often used in the New Testament in contexts where people encounter the divine or experience miraculous events, emphasizing the profound impact these experiences had on them. This word helps to convey the overwhelming nature of such encounters, capturing the mix of awe, fear, and amazement that characterized these moments.