The Greek word ékthambos, represented by G1569, describes a state of being utterly astounded. Derived from ἐκ and θάμβος, it conveys a profound sense of wonder. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, highlighting a specific and powerful reaction to a divine event.
In its sole biblical appearance, G1569 captures the reaction of a crowd to a miraculous healing. After a lame man G5560 was healed G2390 by Peter and John, he held onto them. This sight caused all G3956 the people G2992 to run together in Solomon's porch G4745, greatly wondering G1569 at what had happened Acts 3:11. The word describes the collective astonishment that gripped the onlookers.
Several related words from its context help illuminate the scene:
- G2390 iáomai (to cure (literally or figuratively):--heal, make whole): This verb describes the miracle that prompted the astonishment. It is used both for physical and spiritual healing, as when Jesus was sent to heal the brokenhearted Luke 4:18.
- G5560 chōlós ("halt", i.e. limping:--cripple, halt, lame): This specifies the condition of the man who was healed, emphasizing the impossible nature of the miracle. The healing of the lame is cited as a sign of Jesus' ministry Matthew 11:5.
- G4936 syntréchō (to rush together (hastily assemble) or headlong (figuratively):--run (together, with)): This word depicts the crowd's urgent physical response to their wonder, showing how the event drew an immediate and unified gathering Acts 3:11.
- G2992 laós (a people (in general; thus differing from δῆμος, which denotes one's own populace):--people): This term identifies the crowd as a collective group, united in their shared experience of being "utterly astounded." God's covenant promise is often to have a people for Himself Hebrews 8:10.
The theological weight of G1569 is tied to the human response to divine power.
- Reaction to Miracles: The word demonstrates the proper response of awe and wonder when confronted with an undeniable act of God, such as the healing of a man who had been lame G5560 Acts 3:11.
- A Catalyst for Proclamation: The state of being "greatly wondering" caused the people G2992 to run together G4936, creating an audience for Peter and John to preach. This shows how wonder can prepare hearts to hear the gospel.
- Public Testimony: The event's occurrence in Solomon's porch G4745, a public area, made the miracle and the resulting astonishment a powerful public testimony to the power present in the name of Jesus Christ Acts 3:11.
In summary, G1569 is a specific and potent term for being utterly astounded. Though used only once, its placement in Acts 3:11 is pivotal, capturing the profound wonder of a crowd witnessing a miraculous healing. It illustrates how a visible act of God's power can instantly arrest the attention of the public, unifying them in a state of awe that opens the door for the declaration of truth.
TRV