The Greek word thaûma, represented by G2295, is a term for admiration or wonder. According to its base definition, it is a concrete wonder which can be understood by implication as an abstract concept. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single use of G2295 occurs in a profound apocalyptic vision. In the book of Revelation, John witnesses a vision of "the woman drunken with the blood of the saints" and is overcome by the sight. His reaction is described as wondering with "great admiration" Revelation 17:6. This context establishes the word as an expression of overwhelming awe or astonishment in response to a supernatural revelation.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of G2295:
- G2296 thaumázō (to wonder; by implication, to admire): This is the verb form from which thaûma is derived. It is used in the very same phrase as its noun counterpart, "I wondered G2296 with great admiration G2295" Revelation 17:6, and appears elsewhere to describe astonishment at God's work or Christ's authority John 5:28.
- G1492 eídō (properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know): The act of seeing is the direct catalyst for the wonder expressed by thaûma. John first states, "I saw G1492 the woman," before he is filled with admiration Revelation 17:6. This word connects seeing with knowing and understanding.
- G3173 mégas (big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):--...great(-est)...mighty): This adjective directly modifies thaûma in its only appearance, signifying "great admiration" Revelation 17:6. It underscores the immense scale and intensity of John's reaction to the divine vision.
The theological weight of G2295 is concentrated in its singular, powerful use.
- Response to Divine Revelation: The word is exclusively used to describe a human reaction to a direct, supernatural vision. John's wonder is not simple curiosity but a profound astonishment at the spiritual reality being unveiled to him Revelation 17:6.
- Awe and Prophetic Experience: The term captures the overwhelming nature of prophetic encounters. The combination of seeing G1492, wondering G2296, and "great admiration" G2295 illustrates that receiving a vision is an all-encompassing experience that goes beyond mere observation.
- The Gravity of Spiritual Truth: The use of "great" G3173 with admiration highlights the gravity of the scene John witnesses. It is a response to the great mystery of God's judgment and the spiritual forces at work described in Revelation Revelation 17:6.
In summary, while G2295 appears only once, its context in Revelation makes it highly significant. It is not a word for everyday surprise but for the profound and overwhelming admiration, or wonder, that accompanies a divine, prophetic vision. Its sole usage anchors its meaning as the proper human response of awe when confronted with the unveiling of a great spiritual mystery.
TRV