Introduction
Understanding Greek words like θαυμάζω (thaumazō) is essential for deeper insight into Biblical texts. This verb, which appears frequently in the New Testament, captures the reactions of people when they witness the miraculous works of Jesus and His disciples. It is often translated as “to marvel,” “to wonder,” or “to be amazed.” In exploring this word, we gain a richer understanding of how extraordinary events were perceived in both the Biblical context and the broader Greco-Roman world. θαυμάζω also reflects the cultural and philosophical fascination with phenomena that transcend the ordinary.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θαυμάζω (thaumazō), [thow-MAH-zoh]
- Etymology: Derived from the noun θαῦμα (thauma), meaning “wonder” or “marvel.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To wonder or marvel at something extraordinary.
- To be astonished or amazed.
- To admire or be in awe of someone or something.
- To hold in reverence or respect due to an unusual or remarkable quality.
Similar Words: ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō), [ek-PLAYS-soh] – This verb also means “to amaze” or “to astonish,” but it often carries a stronger connotation of being struck with shock or fear. While θαυμάζω emphasizes wonder and admiration, ἐκπλήσσω suggests a more intense, sometimes overwhelming reaction.
Further Insights: θαυμάζω is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts, from expressing admiration for a person’s wisdom to being awestruck by divine miracles. Its conjugation in different tenses highlights subtle shifts in meaning, especially in describing ongoing versus completed actions. Below is a simplified table of the present, future, and aorist tenses:
| Tense | Form |
|---|---|
| Present | θαυμάζω |
| Future | θαυμάσω |
| Aorist | ἐθαύμασα |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines θαυμάζω as “to wonder, be amazed” and notes its use in contexts where people react to unexpected or miraculous events. It frequently appears in narratives involving Jesus’ miracles and teachings.
- Thayers: Describes θαυμάζω as “to marvel, wonder at,” emphasizing its usage in expressing astonishment at something seen, heard, or experienced. Thayer’s highlights its frequent occurrence in the Gospels.
- Vines: Explains that θαυμάζω denotes a sense of amazement that arises from perceiving something unusual or extraordinary. It often has positive connotations of admiration.
- LSJ: Lists θαυμάζω with meanings ranging from “to wonder at” to “to be surprised.” In classical literature, it can also suggest pondering or being in awe of philosophical ideas or natural phenomena.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines θαυμάζω as “to admire, marvel, wonder,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe reactions to Jesus’ miracles and teachings.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 8:10: “Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled [θαυμάζω], and said to those who were following, ‘Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.’”
- John 7:21: “Jesus answered them, ‘I did one deed, and you all marvel [θαυμάζετε] for this reason.’”
- Mark 6:6: “And He wondered [ἐθαύμαζεν] at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “They wondered (θαυμάζω) at the immense size of the pyramids.” |
| Plato | Theaetetus | “I wonder (θαυμάζω) at what you say, for it seems quite strange and perplexing.” |
| Homer | Odyssey | “They all marveled (θαυμάζω) at the sight of the palace, glittering with gold and silver.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 15:11 | “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders (θαυμάζω)?” |
| Septuagint | Psalms 118:27 | “The Lord is God, and He has given us light; Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.” (The wonder or marvel at God’s works). |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 29:9 | “Be delayed and wait, blind yourselves and be blind; They become drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with strong drink.” (Amazement or wonder). |
Summary of θαυμάζω (G2296: thaumazō)
The Greek verb θαυμάζω (G2296: thaumazō) captures the experience of wonder, astonishment, and admiration, often in response to divine or miraculous events. Derived from the noun θαῦμα (thauma), meaning “wonder” or “marvel,” θαυμάζω reflects both the sense of awe experienced by individuals in the New Testament and the broader Greco-Roman cultural fascination with the extraordinary. This word is used extensively in the New Testament, especially in the Gospels, where it describes reactions to Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and authority. It also has significant usage in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, reflecting its importance across various contexts.
Did You Know?
The verb θαυμάζω not only appears in religious texts but also in ancient Greek philosophical works, where it sometimes denotes the wonder and curiosity that are the beginnings of philosophical inquiry. This dual usage highlights how θαυμάζω bridges the gap between the sacred and the secular, embodying both the awe of the divine and the curiosity that drives human understanding.
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