Luke 5:26

KJV

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they were {G2983} all {G537} amazed {G1611}, and {G2532} they glorified {G1392} God {G2316}, and {G2532} were filled {G4130} with fear {G5401}, saying {G3004},{G3754} We have seen {G1492} strange things {G3861} to day {G4594}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Amazement seized them all, and they made a b'rakhah to God; they were awestruck, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

American Standard Version

And amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God; and they were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to-day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:26 vividly captures the astonished and reverent reaction of the crowd and religious leaders following Jesus' miraculous healing of a paralytic man in Capernaum. Witnessing the undeniable demonstration of Christ's divine authority to both forgive sins and restore physical health, the onlookers were overwhelmed with awe, glorified God, and were filled with a profound sense of reverential fear, acknowledging that they had encountered something truly unprecedented and extraordinary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of a pivotal narrative in [Luke's Gospel](/luke/5 "Luke 5 - Healing of the Paralytic"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus is teaching in a crowded house in Capernaum, filled not only with common people but also with skeptical Pharisees and teachers of the law from across Galilee and Judea ([Luke 5:17](/luke/5-17 "Luke 5:17 - Jesus Teaches in Capernaum")). The dramatic entry of the paralytic, lowered through the roof by his determined friends, sets the stage. Jesus' initial declaration, "Man, your sins are forgiven you" ([Luke 5:20](/luke/5-20 "Luke 5:20 - Forgiveness of Sins")), directly challenges the religious leaders' understanding of divine prerogative, leading them to inwardly accuse Him of blasphemy ([Luke 5:21](/luke/5-21 "Luke 5:21 - Scribes and Pharisees Question Jesus' Authority")). To unequivocally prove His authority on earth to forgive sins, Jesus then commands the paralytic to rise and walk, which he immediately does, carrying his mat out before everyone ([Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")). The crowd's reaction in [Luke 5:26](/luke/5-26 "Luke 5:26 - The Crowd's Reaction") is thus a direct, visceral response to this dual miracle—the spiritual healing of forgiveness and the physical healing of paralysis—both demonstrating Jesus' unparalleled divine power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in Capernaum, a bustling fishing village and Jesus' adopted hometown, made it a hub for His early ministry. The presence of Pharisees and teachers of the law from "every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem" ([Luke 5:17](/luke/5-17 "Luke 5:17 - Jesus Teaches in Capernaum")) indicates that Jesus' reputation had already spread widely, drawing official scrutiny. In first-century Judaism, the ability to forgive sins was understood as an exclusive attribute of God. Sickness, particularly paralysis, was often associated with sin, leading to the belief that only God could truly heal by first addressing the underlying sin. Therefore, Jesus' claim to forgive sins was perceived as blasphemous by the religious authorities, a direct usurpation of divine power. His subsequent physical healing of the man served as irrefutable, public evidence that His claim to forgive sins was indeed legitimate, as only God could grant such power. The crowd's reaction reflects a deeply ingrained cultural understanding of divine intervention and a profound respect for God's manifest power.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 5:26](/luke/5-26 "Luke 5:26 - The Crowd's Reaction") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority of Jesus**, demonstrating His unique power not only over physical ailments but, more profoundly, over sin itself. This miracle serves as a clear testament to His messianic identity and divine nature, setting Him apart from all other teachers and healers. Secondly, the crowd's "amazement" and "glorifying God" highlight the theme of **Awe and Wonder in the Face of God's Revelation**. This was not merely a surprising event but a moment of profound encounter with the divine, eliciting a response of worship and recognition of God's active presence. Thirdly, the "fear" mentioned is not terror but **Reverential Fear (Phobos)**, a deep sense of awe and humility before the majesty and holiness of God, a common response in biblical narratives when humans encounter the divine ([Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israelites Fear the Lord")). Finally, the exclamation "We have seen strange things to day" emphasizes the **Unprecedented Nature of Jesus' Ministry**. His works were not merely remarkable; they were fundamentally new and challenging to existing paradigms, signaling the dawn of a new era in God's redemptive plan, as prophesied in [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **amazed (Greek, _ékstasis'_):** From G1611, meaning "a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, 'ecstasy'." This word conveys a state of profound astonishment and wonder, bordering on a trance-like state, where one is utterly overwhelmed by what is witnessed. It suggests that the event transcended normal human comprehension and expectation, leaving the observers in a state of mental and emotional disarray due to its extraordinary nature.
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From G1392, meaning "to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application):--(make) glorify(-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify." This signifies not merely praise, but an active acknowledgment and attribution of honor and majesty to God. It's a recognition that the power displayed originated from God, and therefore, all credit and worship are due to Him.
* **strange things (Greek, _parádoxos'_):** From G3861, meaning "contrary to expectation, i.e. extraordinary ('paradox')." This term highlights the utterly unprecedented and unexpected nature of Jesus' actions. It implies that what they had witnessed was not just unusual, but truly wonderful and beyond their previous experience or understanding of what was possible, especially regarding the forgiveness of sins and instantaneous healing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were all amazed":** This clause describes the initial, universal reaction of the crowd and the religious leaders. The Greek word for "amazed" (ékstasis) suggests a state of profound astonishment, almost a bewilderment, indicating that what they had witnessed was utterly beyond their comprehension or expectation. It was a moment of overwhelming surprise at the sheer power and authority displayed by Jesus.
* **"and they glorified God":** Following their initial astonishment, the crowd's response immediately turned to worship. To "glorify God" means to acknowledge His power, majesty, and divine nature, giving Him the honor and praise due to Him. This indicates that they correctly attributed the miracle not merely to Jesus as a man, but to God working through Him, recognizing the divine source of His authority.
* **"and were filled with fear":** This "fear" (phóbos) is not a terror of punishment, but a deep, reverential awe and respect for the divine presence and power they had just encountered. It signifies a profound sense of humility and recognition of God's holiness and might, a common reaction in the Bible when humans are confronted with the manifest glory of God.
* **"saying, We have seen strange things to day.":** This concluding statement encapsulates their collective understanding of the event. The term "strange things" (parádoxos) emphasizes that what they had witnessed was unprecedented, extraordinary, and contrary to all their previous experiences. It was a "paradox" in the truest sense—something that defied conventional wisdom and pointed to a new, powerful work of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to enhance the impact of this verse. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in "they were **all** amazed," emphasizing the universal and overwhelming nature of the crowd's reaction, suggesting no one was untouched by the profound event. The term "strange things" (παράδοξα, _parádoxos_) itself functions as a form of **Understatement** and **Paradox**. While literally meaning "contrary to expectation," it subtly conveys the miraculous and divinely powerful nature of Jesus' act, which was far more than merely "strange." It was a divine intervention that defied natural laws and human limitations, creating a paradox that challenged their understanding of reality. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Dramatic Irony**, as the religious leaders, who questioned Jesus' authority to forgive sins (a spiritual act), are forced to witness His undeniable power over physical ailments, which served as proof of His spiritual authority, yet many still failed to fully grasp His true identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:26 stands as a powerful theological statement, affirming Jesus' unique divine authority, not merely as a prophet or healer, but as God incarnate with power over both sin and sickness. The crowd's response—amazement, glorifying God, and reverential fear—is the appropriate human reaction to encountering the manifest presence of God. It highlights that true worship flows from a recognition of God's unparalleled power and holiness. This event foreshadows the broader scope of Jesus' ministry, where His miracles consistently serve as signs pointing to His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come to establish God's kingdom and offer ultimate redemption. It underscores the truth that God's ways are often "strange" or paradoxical to human understanding, yet always perfect in their execution and purpose, leading ultimately to His glory.

* [Matthew 9:8](/matthew/9-8 "Matthew 9:8 - The Crowd's Reaction to the Healing of the Paralytic")
* [Mark 2:12](/mark/2-12 "Mark 2:12 - The Crowd's Reaction to the Healing of the Paralytic")
* [Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israelites Fear the Lord After the Red Sea Crossing")
* [Acts 2:43](/acts/2-43 "Acts 2:43 - Awe Among Early Believers")
* [Psalm 115:1](/psalms/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Give Glory to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:26 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to cultivate a similar posture of awe and reverence in the face of God's work in the world and in our lives. Just as the crowd was overwhelmed by Jesus' power to forgive sins and heal bodies, we are called to recognize and respond to the ongoing reality of Christ's authority. This verse reminds us that when we encounter God's intervention, whether through dramatic miracles, answered prayers, or the subtle workings of His grace in our daily lives, our natural and fitting response should be one of profound amazement that leads to glorifying Him. It prompts us to consider if we truly grasp the profound implications of Christ's divine nature and His continuing power to forgive sins and bring spiritual and physical healing. It encourages us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, worshipful acknowledgment of God's active presence, inspiring a humble fear that leads to deeper trust and obedience. We are invited to praise the God who continues to do "strange things"—things beyond our full comprehension, yet always for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the crowd's reaction of "amazement" and "glorifying God" challenge or affirm your own typical response to witnessing God's power?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "filled with fear" in a reverential sense when considering God's majesty and authority?**
* **In what ways have you "seen strange things" (unprecedented or unexpected acts of God) in your own life or in the world around you, and how have you responded?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder that moves us to glorify God more consistently in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "fear" is mentioned in Luke 5:26?**

Answer: The "fear" (Greek: _phóbos_) mentioned here is not a terror or dread of punishment, but rather a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect. It's the kind of holy fear that arises when one is confronted with the manifest power, holiness, and majesty of God. It leads to worship and humility, not to flight or despair. This reverential fear is a proper response to witnessing divine intervention and recognizing God's supreme authority, as seen in other biblical accounts of divine encounters, such as the Israelites' fear after crossing the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israelites Fear the Lord")).

**Why is it significant that they "glorified God" rather than Jesus?**

Answer: The crowd's response of glorifying God is highly significant because it correctly attributes the source of the miracle to God Himself. While Jesus performed the healing, the people understood that such power could only come from the divine. By glorifying God, they acknowledged that Jesus was operating with God's own authority and power. This aligns with Jesus' own mission to reveal the Father and bring glory to God ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). It also subtly highlights the theological truth of Jesus' divine nature, as only God could do what Jesus did, and therefore, in glorifying God, they were implicitly acknowledging the divine power at work in Jesus.

**What does "strange things" imply about Jesus' ministry?**

Answer: The phrase "strange things" (Greek: _parádoxos_) implies that Jesus' ministry was fundamentally unprecedented and contrary to all previous expectations. It wasn't just unusual or surprising; it was extraordinary and defied conventional understanding. This highlights that Jesus was not merely another prophet or teacher, but someone inaugurating a new era of God's redemptive work. His power to forgive sins and heal with a word was a "paradox" that challenged their existing theological frameworks and pointed to His unique identity as the Messiah, bringing about a new reality in the kingdom of God ([Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:26, with its depiction of the crowd's astonishment and glorification of God in response to Jesus' authority over sin and sickness, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. This miracle, where Jesus demonstrates His power to forgive sins before healing the body, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate mission: to deal with the root problem of humanity, which is sin, and to offer comprehensive redemption. The "strange things" witnessed that day were but a glimpse of the truly paradoxical and glorious work of the cross and resurrection. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the sin of the world, offering forgiveness and reconciliation that no human or ritual could provide ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). His resurrection from the dead, the ultimate "strange thing," validated His divine authority and power over sin and death, ensuring eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 6:9-11](/romans/6-9-11 "Romans 6:9-11 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, the awe and glorification of God in Luke 5:26 are perfectly realized in the New Testament's proclamation of Jesus as Lord, the one to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), and through whom God's glory is fully revealed ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Acts 5:13

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

Matthew 12:23

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Matthew 28:8

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.