### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1611 ἔκστασις (ékstasis) is derived from the verb `{{G1839}}` ἐξίστημι (exístēmi), which literally means "to stand out of" or "to displace." When applied to the mind or emotions, ékstasis denotes a "displacement of the mind" or a state of being "out of oneself." This core meaning gives rise to a rich semantic range in the New Testament. It can describe an overwhelming emotional state, such as profound astonishment, amazement, or bewilderment, where one is so taken aback that their normal mental composure is disrupted. In this sense, it signifies a powerful, often unexpected, reaction to something extraordinary or miraculous. Beyond mere surprise, ékstasis can also refer to a divinely induced altered state of consciousness, a "trance," in which an individual is receptive to direct divine revelation, often involving visions or auditory messages from God. This latter usage highlights a temporary suspension of normal sensory perception and rational thought, allowing for a unique spiritual encounter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1611 ἔκστασις appears seven times in the New Testament, illustrating its dual semantic range:
1. **Astonishment/Amazement:**
* In [[Mark 5:42]], after Jesus raises Jairus's daughter, the parents "were overcome with great astonishment" (ἐξέστησαν ἐκστάσει μεγάλῃ). Here, ékstasis describes an intense, overwhelming reaction to an undeniable miracle, signifying a state of profound wonder and disbelief at what has transpired.
* Similarly, in [[Luke 5:26]], following Jesus's healing of the paralytic, the people "were all amazed" (ἔκστασις ἔλαβεν ἅπαντας) and glorified God. This context again emphasizes the human response to divine power, where the miraculous nature of the event transcends normal comprehension, eliciting an ékstasis of awe.
* [[Acts 3:10]] recounts the crowd's reaction to the healing of the lame man by Peter and John. They "were filled with wonder and amazement" (ἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως). The pairing with `{{G2295}}` θάμβος (thámbos), another word for astonishment, reinforces the idea of an overwhelming, almost paralyzing, sense of wonder.
2. **Trance/Visionary State for Revelation:**
* In [[Acts 10:10]], Peter "fell into a trance" (ἐγένετο ἐπ' αὐτὸν ἔκστασις) while waiting for a meal, leading to his vision of the sheet with clean and unclean animals. This ékstasis is clearly a divinely orchestrated state, preparing Peter for a pivotal revelation concerning the inclusion of Gentiles.
* Peter recounts this experience in [[Acts 11:5]], reiterating that "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision" (καὶ εἶδον ἐν ἐκστάσει ὅραμα). This confirms the purpose of the ékstasis as a conduit for divine communication.
* Paul also describes a similar experience in [[Acts 22:17]], stating that after his conversion, while praying in the temple, "I fell into a trance" (ἐγένετο μοι ἔκστασις) and saw the Lord, who instructed him to leave Jerusalem. This again highlights ékstasis as a divinely initiated state for receiving specific instructions or prophetic insight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related word is the verb `{{G1839}}` ἐξίστημι (exístēmi), from which G1611 ἔκστασις is derived. This verb also carries the meanings "to be amazed," "to astonish," or "to be beside oneself." For instance, in [[Mark 2:12]], people "were all amazed" (ἐξίσταντο πάντες) at Jesus's healing.
Other words related to wonder and astonishment include:
* `{{G2296}}` θαυμάζω (thaumázō): "to wonder," "to marvel at." While thaumázō can describe general wonder, ékstasis often implies a more profound and overwhelming sense of being taken out of oneself.
* `{{G2295}}` θάμβος (thámbos): "astonishment," "awe," often with an element of fear or dread, as seen in [[Acts 3:10]] where it is paired with ékstasis.
The concept of ékstasis as a trance state is distinct from mere dreaming or hallucination. It aligns with prophetic visions and divine encounters found throughout Scripture (e.g., Ezekiel's visions, John's revelation on Patmos). It also contrasts sharply with pagan ecstatic cults, where self-induced frenzy or intoxication led to uncontrolled states; biblical ékstasis is divinely controlled, purposeful, and always results in clear, coherent revelation or a profound, reverent response.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1611 ἔκστασις is multifaceted.
Firstly, as a response to divine acts, ékstasis underscores the *otherness* and *power* of God. When humans encounter God's miraculous intervention, their normal mental and emotional capacities are insufficient to process the event, leading to a state of being "out of oneself" in overwhelming awe. This highlights the transcendence of God and the profound impact of His presence and work in the world. It is a testament to the fact that God's actions often defy human expectation and logic, demanding a response beyond mere intellectual assent.
Secondly, ékstasis as a divine trance signifies God's sovereign initiative in revelation. In such states, God bypasses normal human sensory and cognitive processes to impart crucial truths or directives. This mode of communication emphasizes that revelation is a gift from God, not something achieved through human effort or manipulation. It points to the passive receptivity required of the human agent, who becomes a vessel for God's message. Peter's vision in Joppa and Paul's trance in the temple are pivotal moments in redemptive history, demonstrating how God uses these altered states to guide His people and advance His purposes, particularly concerning the expansion of the Gospel.
Finally, the biblical use of ékstasis subtly distinguishes genuine divine encounter from mere emotionalism or spiritual frenzy. While intense, biblical ékstasis is purposeful, divinely controlled, and leads to clarity and understanding, not confusion or irrationality. It serves God's revelatory and redemptive agenda, affirming the profound and often incomprehensible nature of His interaction with humanity.
### Summary
G1611 ἔκστασις (ékstasis) denotes a profound "displacement of the mind," reflecting a state of being "out of oneself." Its semantic range encompasses two primary meanings: overwhelming astonishment or amazement, often in response to God's miraculous deeds (e.g., [[Mark 5:42]], [[Luke 5:26]], [[Acts 3:10]]), and a divinely induced trance or altered state of consciousness for the purpose of receiving revelation (e.g., [[Acts 10:10]], [[Acts 11:5]], [[Acts 22:17]]). Rooted in `{{G1839}}` ἐξίστημι, this word highlights the profound impact of divine power on human beings, whether eliciting a response of awe and wonder or serving as a conduit for God's direct communication. Theologically, ékstasis underscores God's transcendence, His sovereign initiative in revelation, and the limits of human comprehension when confronted with the divine. It is a powerful term that captures the overwhelming and often supernatural nature of encounters with the living God.
TRV