### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thaumázō**, represented by `{{G2296}}`, means **to wonder** or, by implication, **to admire**. It appears **48 times** across **46 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the word `{{G2295}}` **thaûma** (wonder), it captures a powerful response of astonishment or admiration when confronted with the unexpected or supernatural.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2296}}` is frequently used to describe the reaction of people to the words and deeds of Jesus. Multitudes **marveled** when they saw healings they had never witnessed before in Israel [[Matthew 9:33]], and they **wondered** at the gracious words that came from his mouth [[Luke 4:22]]. Even Jesus himself **marveled**, not at displays of power, but at the great faith of a centurion [[Matthew 8:10]] and at the unbelief of the people in his own country [[Mark 6:6]]. The term is also used in warnings, as when Jesus tells his followers not to **marvel** at the doctrine of being born again, but to accept it [[John 3:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of astonishment and awe in scripture:
* `{{G1605}}` **ekplḗssō** (to strike with astonishment): This term describes an intense amazement, often in response to Jesus's teaching. People were **astonished** at his doctrine, for his word was with power [[Luke 4:32]].
* `{{G1839}}` **exístēmi** (to put out of wits, i.e. astound): This word suggests being astounded to the point of being beside oneself. On the day of Pentecost, onlookers were all **amazed** and **marvelled** at the disciples speaking in other tongues [[Acts 2:7]].
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō** (to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere): This word connects the feeling of wonder with fear or reverence. After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples, being **afraid**, **wondered** at what manner of man he was [[Luke 8:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2296}}` is significant, highlighting the proper and improper objects of human wonder.
* **A Sign of Divine Power:** The widespread marveling at Jesus’s miracles serves as a public witness to his unique authority. When the crowds **marvelled** and glorified God for giving such power to men, their reaction validated the divine origin of Christ's work [[Matthew 9:8]].
* **A Call Beyond Mere Wonder:** Jesus often redirects those who marvel, urging them toward belief. He commands people not to **marvel** at the coming resurrection, but to believe in his authority over life and death [[John 5:28]]. This shows that wonder should be a doorway to faith, not a final destination.
* **Misdirected Admiration:** The word is also used negatively to describe misplaced awe. The inhabitants of the earth **shall wonder** after the beast, directing their admiration toward a corrupt, worldly power [[Revelation 17:8]]. Jude also warns against those who have men’s persons in **admiration** for personal gain [[Jude 1:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2296}}` captures a pivotal human response to encountering something beyond the ordinary. It functions as a recurring testament to the power of God manifested in Christ, a reaction that Jesus himself seeks to channel into genuine faith. From the crowds **marveling** at a miracle to John's "great **admiration**" at a divine vision [[Revelation 17:6]], the word underscores the profound impact of the supernatural on the human soul and the critical choice of where that wonder is directed.
TRV