### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ékstasis**, represented by `{{G1611}}`, is derived from `ἐξίστημι` and describes a **displacement of the mind**. Appearing **7 times** in **7 unique verses**, its meaning encompasses bewilderment and "ecstasy." In scripture, it is translated as **trance**, **amazement**, or **astonishment**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1611}}` is used to describe two distinct but related experiences. Firstly, it denotes a supernatural **trance**, a state in which an individual receives a divine revelation. This occurs when Peter falls into a **trance** while waiting for a meal [[Acts 10:10]], later clarifying that in this state he "saw a vision" [[Acts 11:5]]. Paul also reports being in a **trance** while praying in the temple [[Acts 22:17]]. Secondly, it expresses overwhelming **amazement** or **astonishment** in response to a miraculous event. After a healing, onlookers were "filled with wonder and **amazement**" [[Acts 3:10]], while witnesses to another of Christ's miracles were "all **amazed**" and filled with fear [[Luke 5:26]]. This feeling can be so profound it is described as being "astonished with a great **astonishment**" [[Mark 5:42]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G1611}}` in context:
* `{{G1839}}` **exístēmi**: The root verb meaning to **astound** or **be beside self**. It appears directly with `{{G1611}}` to intensify the meaning, as when the people "were **astonished** `{{G1839}}` with a great **astonishment** `{{G1611}}`" [[Mark 5:42]].
* `{{G3705}}` **hórama**: Defined as "something gazed at... a spectacle (especially supernatural):--sight, **vision**." This is directly connected to the experience of a trance, such as when it is said, "in a **trance** `{{G1611}}` I saw a **vision** `{{G3705}}`" [[Acts 11:5]].
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos**: Meaning "alarm or fright:--be afraid, + exceedingly, **fear**, terror." This emotion is often paired with the experience of amazement, as when the crowd was **amazed** `{{G1611}}` and "filled with **fear** `{{G5401}}`" [[Luke 5:26]].
* `{{G2285}}` **thámbos**: Meaning "stupefaction (by surprise), i.e. **astonishment**." It is used with `{{G1611}}` to describe a crowd's reaction, where "they were filled with **wonder** `{{G2285}}` and **amazement** `{{G1611}}`" [[Acts 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1611}}` is found in how it marks moments of divine-human interaction.
* **Vehicle for Divine Communication:** The state of **trance** `{{G1611}}` serves as a specific condition through which God imparts revelation. Peter falls into a **trance** before seeing a pivotal vision ([[Acts 10:10]], [[Acts 11:5]]), and Paul experiences a **trance** while praying in the temple [[Acts 22:17]].
* **Reaction to Supernatural Power:** As **amazement** or **astonishment**, `{{G1611}}` is a characteristic human response to witnessing God's direct power. This is evident in the reactions to a lame man being healed [[Acts 3:10]] and a girl being raised from the dead [[Mark 5:42]], an experience that can lead people to glorify God [[Luke 5:26]].
* **Awe and Fear:** The experience described by `{{G1611}}` is often accompanied by powerful emotional and physical responses. It is linked with **trembling** `{{G5156}}` and being **afraid** `{{G5399}}` [[Mark 16:8]], and also being filled with **fear** `{{G5401}}` [[Luke 5:26]], indicating that this "displacement of the mind" is a profound and overwhelming encounter.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1611}}` is more than just a strong emotion; it signifies a state where the ordinary functions of the mind are superseded by a divine encounter. It is used to describe both the receptive state of a **trance**, in which visions are given, and the reactive state of **amazement** in the face of God's power. Whether as a channel for revelation or as a response to it, **ékstasis** marks a point where the supernatural intersects with the natural world, producing wonder and awe.
TRV