Introduction
The exploration of Greek words in Biblical texts offers profound insights into the emotional and psychological states conveyed in scripture. The Greek adjective ἔκθαμβος (ekthambos) is particularly significant, as it expresses a heightened state of astonishment or fear. Understanding this term enriches our interpretation of the New Testament, where it is often used to describe the reactions of individuals to divine or miraculous events. Additionally, this word gives us a glimpse into the broader cultural context of ancient Greece, where awe and fear were common responses to the unknown and the divine.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἔκθαμβος (ekthambos) [EK-tham-bos]
- Etymology: Derived from the combination of the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb θαμβέω (thambeō), meaning “to be amazed” or “astonished.” The adjective ἔκθαμβος thus describes someone who is profoundly astonished or terrified.
- Part of Speech: Adjective (used in various cases according to Greek declension patterns)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Utterly astonished: The term ἔκθαμβος primarily denotes a state of being struck with amazement or awe, often in reaction to something extraordinary.
- Terrified or alarmed: In certain contexts, ἔκθαμβος can also imply a sense of fear or terror, particularly in situations where the divine or supernatural is encountered.
Similar Words:
- θαμβέω (thambeō) [tham-BEH-o]: A related verb meaning “to be amazed” or “astonished,” but without the intense connotation that ἔκθαμβος carries.
- ἔκπληκτος (ekplēktos) [EK-plek-tos]: Another Greek adjective meaning “astonished” or “amazed,” often used in similar contexts but focusing more on the idea of being stunned or shocked.
Further Insights
- Morphology: As an adjective, ἔκθαμβος follows standard Greek declension patterns, adapting its form to match the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. This flexibility allows it to be used in various contexts within the text.
Declension Chart
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter | Example Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἔκθαμβος | ἔκθαμβος | ἔκθαμβον | “utterly astonished” |
| Genitive | ἐκθάμβου | ἐκθάμβου | ἐκθάμβου | “of one who is astonished” |
| Dative | ἐκθάμβῳ | ἐκθάμβῳ | ἐκθάμβῳ | “to/for one who is astonished” |
| Accusative | ἔκθαμβον | ἔκθαμβον | ἔκθαμβον | “astonished (direct object)” |
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἔκθαμβος as describing someone who is “greatly astonished” or “frightened,” often used in contexts of encountering the supernatural.
- Thayer’s: Emphasizes the word’s use to denote a state of “extreme astonishment or terror,” highlighting its application in divine encounters.
- Vine’s: Notes that the term is often used in the New Testament to describe those who witness miracles or other extraordinary events, marking their emotional response.
- LSJ: Lists ἔκθαμβος as a term conveying a powerful emotional reaction, typically one of fear or awe, in classical literature.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἔκθαμβος as an adjective used to express intense amazement or fear, especially in response to divine or supernatural occurrences.
Scripture References:
- Mark 9:15: “And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed (ἔκθαμβος) and ran up to him and greeted him.”
- Acts 3:10: “And they recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement (ἔκθαμβος) at what had happened to him.”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἔκθαμβος was used to describe a person who is overwhelmed with awe or fear, often in response to encounters with the divine or the extraordinary.
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | “Odyssey” | “The sailors were utterly astonished (ἔκθαμβος) at the sight of the island.” |
| Aeschylus | “Prometheus Bound” | “Prometheus stood ἔκθαμβος before the wrath of Zeus.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The soldiers were ἔκθαμβος at the sudden appearance of the enemy.” |
Summary of ἔκθαμβος (G1569: ekthambos)
The Greek adjective ἔκθαμβος (ekthambos) is a powerful term used to describe a state of profound astonishment, awe, or fear. This word is particularly significant in the New Testament, where it appears in contexts involving divine encounters or miraculous events, emphasizing the deep emotional impact these moments had on those who experienced them. Understanding ἔκθαμβος provides valuable insights into the cultural and religious environment of the ancient world, where such intense reactions were common in the face of the extraordinary. This term not only enhances our comprehension of Biblical texts but also enriches our understanding of ancient Greek literature and its depiction of human emotions in the presence of the divine.
Did You Know?
The word ἔκθαμβος is often used in Greek literature to describe the reaction of individuals who witness something beyond their understanding, whether a divine being or an unexpected event. This word helps convey the profound impact of such encounters, capturing the mix of awe, fear, and reverence that these experiences inspired.
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