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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential to capture the full depth and nuance of Scripture. The Greek word ἐξίστημι (exístēmi) is particularly significant as it carries meanings related to astonishment, displacement, and a change in state of mind. This word provides a rich understanding of various New Testament passages where people were either amazed or thrown into confusion, reflecting both psychological and physical states. It is also relevant in the study of ancient Greek culture and philosophy, where such states of mind were frequently discussed.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξίστημι, transliterated as exístēmi [eks-IS-tay-mee]
- Etymology: Derived from ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to stand”), meaning “to stand out of” or “to displace.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; present, active, indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To amaze, astonish, or cause wonder
- To be beside oneself or be out of one’s mind
- To displace or move away from a standing position
- To lose composure or be in confusion
Similar Words: θαυμάζω (thaumázō) [thou-MAH-zoh] – While ἐξίστημι emphasizes a state of amazement that can lead to confusion or being “out of one’s mind,” θαυμάζω is more about admiration or wonder without necessarily implying a loss of control or a change in state of mind.
Further Insights: ἐξίστημι is a verb that can appear in various forms depending on its tense, voice, and mood. It primarily appears in the New Testament in its present and aorist forms, reflecting an ongoing or completed state of amazement or bewilderment.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐξίστημι is defined as “to cause someone to be so astounded as to be practically overwhelmed,” or “to lose one’s composure.” It is often used in contexts where the audience or individuals are utterly amazed by events or teachings, such as miracles.
Thayers: This lexicon describes ἐξίστημι as “to put out of its place, displace,” and “to throw into wonderment or amazement.” It notes that the word is used metaphorically to express a state of being out of one’s senses, often used in contexts where people are deeply moved or shocked by divine intervention or revelation.
Vines: Highlights ἐξίστημι as implying “to stand out” and “to be astonished,” often resulting in a mental displacement. It is noted that this term frequently appears in the New Testament to describe reactions to Jesus’ miracles and teachings.
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LSJ: The term is broadly defined as “to put out of its place” or “to change one’s mind or condition.” In classical usage, it also refers to physical displacement or metaphorically to an altered mental state.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐξίστημι as “amaze” or “astonish,” derived from ἐκ (ek) and ἵστημι (hístēmi), suggesting a transition from a normal state to one of awe or shock.
Related Scripture References
- Mark 5:42: “And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished [ἐξίσταντο] with a great astonishment.”
- Acts 2:7: “And they were all amazed [ἐξίσταντο] and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?”
- Acts 8:13: “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered [ἐξίσταντο], beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | The Republic | “The philosopher is thrown into confusion (ἐξίστημι) by the paradoxes of life.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “Being surprised (ἐξίστημι) by unexpected events is a natural human reaction.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The people were put out of place (ἐξίστημι) by the sudden news.” |
Summary of ἐξίστημι (G1839: exístēmi)
The Greek word ἐξίστημι (Strong’s G1839), meaning “to amaze” or “to be out of one’s mind,” is a verb that captures a range of meanings from literal displacement to profound psychological astonishment. In the New Testament, it describes reactions to miraculous events and teachings that provoke awe or confusion. In classical Greek literature, it is used to convey both physical and metaphorical states of being moved or altered. This term is valuable in understanding both the dramatic reactions depicted in Biblical narratives and the philosophical reflections on human emotion in ancient Greek texts.
Did You Know?
The word ἐξίστημι not only describes astonishment but also the kind of transformative change in perception or state that ancient philosophers like Plato discussed. They often debated whether such states were conducive to philosophical inquiry or a sign of losing one’s grip on rational thought. The dual meanings of displacement and amazement reflect the dynamic nature of the term in both everyday and philosophical contexts.
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