### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θαυμάζω (thaumázō) is derived from the noun θαῦμα (thauma) `{{G2295}}`, which denotes "a wonder, a marvel, an object of astonishment." At its core, θαυμάζω signifies the experience of being struck with wonder, astonishment, or amazement. This reaction can be elicited by something extraordinary, unexpected, or inexplicable.
The semantic range of θαυμάζω encompasses several nuances:
* **Astonishment/Wonder:** This is the primary sense, reflecting a state of being profoundly surprised or awestruck by an event, person, or teaching. It can be a reaction to the miraculous, the powerful, or the profoundly wise.
* **Marveling:** Often interchangeable with wonder, implying a deep sense of awe or surprise that can border on incomprehension.
* **Admiration:** In certain contexts, the wonder can lead to admiration or respect for the subject that elicits the reaction.
* **Disbelief/Skepticism:** Occasionally, the wonder can be tinged with disbelief or questioning, as in "I wonder how that could be."
* **Fear/Apprehension:** Especially in the Septuagint and some New Testament passages, the wonder at divine power or judgment can evoke a sense of reverential fear or apprehension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb θαυμάζω is frequently employed in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, to describe the reactions of individuals and crowds to the person, teachings, and miracles of Jesus Christ.
* **Reactions to Jesus's Miracles:** People consistently "marveled" at Jesus's power over disease ([[Matthew 9:33]]), demons ([[Luke 11:14]]), and even nature ([[Mark 4:41]]). This astonishment often led to the glorification of God, as seen in [[Matthew 9:8]]: "When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men."
* **Reactions to Jesus's Teachings:** The authority and wisdom of Jesus's words provoked widespread astonishment. The crowds "were amazed at His teaching, because He taught them as one who had authority, not as their teachers of the law" ([[Matthew 7:28]], [[Mark 1:22]]). Even those seeking to entrap Him "marveled" at His astute responses ([[Matthew 22:22]], [[Mark 12:17]]).
* **Jesus's Own Astonishment:** Uniquely, Jesus Himself is depicted as "marveling" on two occasions. In [[Mark 6:6]], He "marveled because of their unbelief" in His hometown, highlighting the profound tragedy of human resistance to divine revelation. Conversely, He "marveled" at the great faith of the Roman centurion in [[Matthew 8:10]], indicating a positive astonishment at genuine spiritual insight.
* **Reactions to Apostolic Boldness:** The Sanhedrin "marveled" at the boldness of Peter and John, recognizing their uneducated background yet perceiving their association with Jesus ([[Acts 4:13]]).
* **Negative or Misguided Wonder:** In the Book of Revelation, θαυμάζω takes on a more ominous tone. People "marveled" at the beast ([[Revelation 13:3]]) and its power, indicating a deceived and captivated response to evil. Similarly, John himself "marveled with great amazement" at the woman (Babylon) drunk with the blood of the saints ([[Revelation 17:6-7]]), a wonder born of horror and bewilderment at profound spiritual corruption.
* **Disappointed Wonder:** Paul expresses a form of disappointed wonder in [[Galatians 1:6]], "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel."
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of θαυμάζω is interconnected with several other Greek terms that describe states of profound emotional or mental reaction.
* **θαῦμα (thauma) `{{G2295}}`**: The direct cognate noun, meaning "a wonder, a marvel." This is the source of the verb's core meaning.
* **ἔκστασις (ekstasis) `{{G1611}}`**: "Ecstasy, trance, overwhelming amazement." While θαυμάζω describes the feeling of wonder, ἔκστασις often describes the state of being completely overwhelmed or beside oneself, sometimes to the point of a trance-like state, often as a result of intense wonder or divine encounter ([[Mark 5:42]], [[Acts 3:10]]).
* **ἔκπληξις (ekplēxis) `{{G1619}}`**: "Astonishment, amazement, consternation." Similar to ἔκστασις, it conveys a sense of being struck out of one's senses by surprise or awe, often used in conjunction with or interchangeably with θαυμάζω ([[Luke 4:32]]).
* **φοβέω (phobeō) `{{G5399}}`**: "To fear, to be afraid." In biblical contexts, the wonder evoked by the divine often transitions into a reverential fear or awe, recognizing the immense power and holiness of God ([[Luke 5:26]], where wonder and fear are intertwined).
* **δοξάζω (doxazō) `{{G1392}}`**: "To glorify." Frequently, the "wonder" at Jesus's miracles or teachings prompts people to "glorify God," indicating that astonishment can be a pathway to acknowledging God's majesty and power ([[Matthew 9:8]], [[Luke 13:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The concept of θαυμάζω holds significant theological weight in the New Testament:
* **Revelation of Divine Authority:** The widespread "wonder" at Jesus's words and deeds serves as a powerful testament to His unique divine authority and identity. It highlights the extraordinary nature of God's inbreaking kingdom and the unprecedented character of the Messiah. Human astonishment is a natural, often involuntary, response to the direct encounter with the transcendent.
* **The Nature of Faith:** While wonder can be a crucial preliminary step, it is not synonymous with saving faith. Many "marveled" at Jesus but did not ultimately commit to Him or later rejected Him. True faith moves beyond mere intellectual or emotional astonishment to personal trust, commitment, and obedience. The distinction underscores that intellectual acknowledgment of the miraculous does not automatically equate to spiritual transformation.
* **The Tragedy of Unbelief:** Jesus's own "marvel" at the unbelief of His hometown ([[Mark 6:6]]) is profoundly significant. It reveals the depth of human resistance to God's clear revelation and the sorrow of divine love confronted by human obstinacy. It underscores that even the most compelling evidence can be rejected.
* **Warning Against Misguided Awe:** In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, the "wonder" directed towards the Beast and the forces of evil ([[Revelation 13:3]], [[Revelation 17:6]]) serves as a stark warning. It depicts a spiritual deception where people are captivated and awestruck by worldly power and corruption, mistaking it for genuine authority or glory. This highlights the critical need for discernment in what we allow ourselves to be impressed by.
* **Proper Response to God:** When properly directed, "wonder" can lead to genuine awe, reverence, and worship. It is an appropriate human response to the incomprehensible greatness, power, and wisdom of God, fostering humility and adoration. It reminds humanity of its place before the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
### Summary
The Greek verb θαυμάζω (thaumázō) fundamentally conveys a profound state of wonder, astonishment, or amazement, stemming from the concept of a "marvel." In the New Testament, it predominantly describes the human reaction to the extraordinary person, authoritative teachings, and powerful miracles of Jesus Christ. This astonishment often served as a pathway to glorifying God, acknowledging His presence and power. However, the term also carries nuances of disbelief, as seen in Jesus's own "marvel" at human unbelief, highlighting the tragic reality of rejecting divine truth. Furthermore, in apocalyptic contexts, θαυμάζω serves as a somber warning against a misguided wonder directed towards the forces of evil. Ultimately, while wonder can be a powerful initial response to the divine, it is intended to lead to genuine faith, worship, and obedience, distinguishing between a fleeting astonishment and a transformative encounter with God. The experience of "marveling" thus functions as a powerful indicator of the inbreaking of God's kingdom and the encounter with the transcendent.
TRV