akin to an obsolete (to dumbfound); stupefaction (by surprise), i.e. astonishment:--X amazed, + astonished, wonder.
Transliteration:thámbos
Pronunciation:tham'-bos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun `{{G2285}}` thámbos denotes a profound state of astonishment, stupefaction, or wonder, often accompanied by an element of awe or even dread. Its etymological root is linked to an obsolete verb meaning "to dumbfound," conveying the sense of being struck speechless or rendered motionless by an overwhelming surprise. Unlike mere intellectual surprise, thámbos describes a deep, visceral reaction that takes hold of a person, leaving them overwhelmed and often disoriented by the magnitude of what they have witnessed. It implies an encounter with something extraordinary, beyond the normal scope of human experience or expectation, often involving a display of power or the miraculous.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2285}}` thámbos appears three times in the New Testament, each instance highlighting a powerful human response to divine intervention or authority:
* **[[Luke 4:36]]**: Following Jesus' authoritative teaching and the miraculous expulsion of a demon in the synagogue, the people's reaction is described: "And thámbos came upon all." This astonishment is not merely intellectual curiosity but a profound, overwhelming awe at Jesus' unique authority (exousía) over unclean spirits. It signifies a recognition of divine power manifested through Him.
* **[[Luke 5:26]]**: After Jesus heals the paralytic and, more significantly, declares his sins forgiven, the crowd's reaction is again thámbos: "And thámbos took hold of all." This profound astonishment is coupled with glorifying God, indicating that their wonder led to a recognition of God's hand at work through Jesus, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of His power to forgive sins and heal.
* **[[Acts 3:10]]**: In response to the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate by Peter and John, the onlookers "were filled with thámbos and `{{G1611}}` ekstasís." Here, thámbos is paired with ekstasís (ecstasy, trance, or utter amazement), underscoring the intensity of their reaction. They were not just surprised; they were completely overwhelmed, almost beside themselves, by the undeniable evidence of a divine miracle performed in the name of Jesus. This profound reaction highlights the irrefutable nature of the apostolic witness.
In each context, thámbos is a response to the irruption of divine power into the human sphere, manifesting as an undeniable sign or miracle. It signifies a moment when human beings are confronted with the transcendent, leading to a state of profound awe and often, a recognition of God's presence and action.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2285}}` thámbos is closely related to other Greek words expressing wonder and awe, yet it carries its own distinct nuance:
* **`{{G2296}}` thaumázō (to wonder, marvel, be amazed)**: This is a more general term for wonder or admiration. While thámbos is a form of thaumázō, it is a more intense, often fear-infused or dread-laden, form of astonishment, implying a deeper, more unsettling impact.
* **`{{G1611}}` ekstasís (ecstasy, trance, astonishment)**: As seen in [[Acts 3:10]], ekstasís can be used alongside thámbos. While thámbos emphasizes the stupefaction, ekstasís often suggests being "out of oneself," a state of being overwhelmed to the point of mental or emotional displacement. They often occur together, describing a comprehensive state of being utterly overcome.
* **`{{G5399}}` phóbos (fear, dread, awe)**: Although thámbos is not primarily fear, it often carries an element of reverential awe or holy dread in the presence of the divine. This aligns with the biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord," which is not terror but a profound respect and reverence for God's power and holiness.
* In the Septuagint, similar concepts are conveyed by Hebrew terms such as `{{H2730}}` charadah (trembling, dread) or `{{H8074}}` shamem (to be desolate, astonished), which likewise describe overwhelming reactions to divine acts or presence.
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{G2285}}` thámbos is theologically significant as it describes a fundamental human response to the manifestation of divine power and authority. It is not a mere intellectual assent to a truth but a profound, often physical, reaction that acknowledges the transcendent breaking into the immanent.
1. **Recognition of Divine Sovereignty**: Thámbos occurs when human beings are confronted with that which is beyond their control or full comprehension. It strips away human self-sufficiency and forces an acknowledgment of a higher power at work.
2. **Catalyst for Faith and Worship**: While thámbos itself is not faith, it often serves as a precursor or accompaniment to it. The "dumbfounding" experience can lead individuals to glorify God (as in [[Luke 5:26]]) or to question and seek deeper understanding, thereby opening the door to genuine faith.
3. **Validation of Christ's Authority**: In the Gospels, the thámbos of the crowds consistently validates Jesus' unique authority over sickness, demons, and even sin. It underscores the divine nature of His ministry and claims.
4. **Authenticity of Apostolic Ministry**: In Acts, the thámbos of the onlookers confirms the authenticity and power of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles, testifying to the resurrection and the ongoing power of Christ.
5. **The Unsettling Nature of the Holy**: Thámbos highlights that encounters with the holy are not always comfortable or easily explainable. They are often overwhelming and challenge human categories, demanding a response of awe and reverence.
### Summary
`{{G2285}}` thámbos signifies an intense state of astonishment, stupefaction, and awe, often mingled with an element of dread. In the New Testament, it consistently describes the profound human reaction to the miraculous displays of divine power and authority, particularly those manifested through Jesus and His apostles. This "dumbfounding" experience serves to underscore the transcendent nature of God's intervention, validating the divine source of the miracles and the authority of those performing them. Theologically, thámbos is a crucial response that acknowledges divine sovereignty, often leading to a deeper recognition of God's presence and a catalyst for faith and worship. It captures the overwhelming impact of encountering the holy, leaving individuals in a state of profound, reverent wonder.
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