### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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