Brief Overview of θαυμάσιος (Strong’s G2297: thaumásios)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as θαυμάσιος (thaumásios) is crucial for Biblical studies because it deepens our grasp of the nuances and expressions used in ancient texts. The word θαυμάσιος is particularly significant in interpreting New Testament passages where extraordinary events, deeds, or qualities are described. Its usage not only enhances our understanding of the text but also provides insight into ancient Greek culture, where wonder and marvel were central to philosophical and religious experiences.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: θαυμάσιος (thaumásios), [thow-MAH-see-os]
• Etymology: Derived from θαῦμα (thauma), meaning “wonder” or “marvel,” and the suffix -σιος (-sios), which denotes an adjective.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (2nd declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Marvelous, wonderful, or admirable.
• Astonishing or remarkable.
• Worthy of admiration or awe.

Similar Words: θαυμαστός (thaumastos), [thow-mas-TOS] – Another adjective with a similar meaning, “marvelous” or “wonderful,” but often used in contexts emphasizing the unexpected or supernatural nature of the wonder. While θαυμάσιος can describe something admirable in a general sense, θαυμαστός leans more towards a sense of awe and reverence, especially in divine contexts.

Further Insights: θαυμάσιος as an adjective conforms to the typical morphological patterns of the second declension in Greek. It can be declined according to gender, number, and case, allowing for flexible use in various grammatical contexts. Below is a table showing its declension in the masculine, feminine, and neuter forms:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes θαυμάσιος as “marvelous, wonderful,” often used to express admiration or astonishment for something extraordinary, whether a divine act or an exceptional human deed.
• Thayers: Defines θαυμάσιος as “wonderful, worthy of admiration,” highlighting its use in both secular and religious contexts to describe something that provokes a sense of awe or wonder.
• Vines: Notes that θαυμάσιος carries the connotation of something beyond ordinary experience, used to describe acts or qualities that provoke admiration or amazement.
• LSJ: Explains that θαυμάσιος is used extensively in classical Greek to describe something “admirable” or “marvelous,” often in literature discussing the wonders of nature, the gods, or heroic deeds.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines θαυμάσιος as “marvelous” or “wonderful,” with emphasis on its New Testament usage to denote something that stands out as extraordinary.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 21:15: “But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful [θαυμασία] things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they became indignant.”
• Acts 2:22: “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders [θαυμάσια] and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θαυμάσιος (G2297: thaumásios)

The adjective θαυμάσιος (G2297: thaumásios) is rooted in the concept of wonder and amazement, derived from the noun θαῦμα (thauma), meaning “wonder” or “marvel.” It describes things that are extraordinary, admirable, or worthy of awe, whether due to their beauty, complexity, or divine nature. In the New Testament, θαυμάσιος is often used to describe the miraculous works of Jesus, reflecting both the admiration of onlookers and the divine nature of these acts. Its usage in classical literature and the Septuagint further underscores its significance in expressing awe and reverence for the extraordinary, whether in a human or divine context.

Did You Know?

The word θαυμάσιος is not only used in religious contexts but also appears frequently in Greek literature to describe philosophical concepts that provoke awe and admiration. For example, in Platonic dialogues, the term is sometimes used to refer to the wonders of knowledge and wisdom, illustrating how the Greek sense of “wonder” extends beyond the physical and into the metaphysical and intellectual realms.