from θαῦμα; wondrous, i.e. (neuter as noun) a miracle:--wonderful thing.
Transliteration:thaumásios
Pronunciation:thow-mas'-ee-os
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G2297 (θαυμάσιος, *thaumásios*) is an adjective derived from the noun G2295 (θαῦμα, *thauma*), which means "wonder" or "admiration." Consequently, thaumásios fundamentally describes that which is "wondrous," "marvelous," "admirable," or "astonishing." It conveys a sense of awe-inspiring quality, something that evokes profound wonder or amazement. When used as a neuter noun (τὸ θαυμάσιον, *to thaumásion*, or in the plural, τὰ θαυμάσια, *ta thaumásia*), it refers specifically to "a wonderful thing" or "a miracle." This usage highlights events or deeds that transcend ordinary human capacity or natural explanation, thereby pointing to a divine or extraordinary agency. The term inherently carries a positive connotation, often associated with divine power, beauty, or extraordinary acts of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2297 (θαυμάσιος, *thaumásios*) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 21:15]]**: "But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant."
In this solitary occurrence, the phrase "the wonderful things" (τὰ θαυμάσια, *ta thaumásia*) refers to the miraculous healings performed by Jesus in the temple immediately after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the cleansing of the temple. The preceding verse, [[Matthew 21:14]], states, "And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them." Thus, the "wonderful things" are unequivocally the miracles of healing. The religious leaders' reaction—indignation—contrasts sharply with the children's praise, demonstrating that even undeniable divine wonders can provoke opposition from those whose hearts are hardened by unbelief. This context underscores that Jesus' actions were not merely impressive deeds but acts of divine power that elicited a strong response, whether of worship or rejection.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G2295 (θαῦμα, *thauma*):** This is the root noun from which G2297 is derived, meaning "wonder," "admiration," or "astonishment." It describes the feeling evoked by something extraordinary (e.g., [[Revelation 17:6]]).
* **G2296 (θαυμάζω, *thaumazō*):** The verb form, meaning "to wonder," "to marvel," or "to be astonished." This verb is much more frequent in the New Testament and often describes the human reaction to the "wonderful things" or miracles performed by Jesus or God (e.g., [[Matthew 8:27]], [[Luke 4:22]], [[John 3:7]]).
* **G5088 (τέρας, *teras*):** Often translated as "wonder" or "portent." This word frequently appears in conjunction with G4592 (σημεῖον, *sēmeion*, "sign") as "signs and wonders" (e.g., [[Acts 2:19]], [[Acts 2:43]]). While thaumásios emphasizes the quality of being wondrous, teras often points to the effect of causing awe or serving as a divine sign, often with an eschatological or revelatory implication.
* **G1411 (δύναμις, *dynamis*):** Meaning "power," "ability," and by extension, "miracle" or "powerful deed." Miracles are frequently referred to as *dynameis* because they are demonstrations of divine power (e.g., [[Matthew 11:20]], [[Acts 2:22]]). Thaumásios describes the *nature* of such a deed as awe-inspiring, while dynamis describes its *source* or *character* as powerful.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G2297 in [[Matthew 21:15]] carries profound theological weight. It directly attributes to Jesus deeds that are not merely impressive but are "wonderful things," meaning they are miraculous manifestations of divine power and authority. These actions served as undeniable evidence of Jesus' unique identity and divine mission. The passage highlights a critical aspect of biblical theology: God's intervention in human history is often characterized by acts that evoke wonder and awe, revealing His majesty, power, and benevolent character.
The contrasting reactions to these "wonderful things"—praise from the children and indignation from the religious leaders—underscore a vital theological truth: divine revelation, even in miraculous form, requires a receptive heart. Miracles, while objectively powerful, do not compel belief; rather, they serve as invitations to faith. For those whose hearts were hardened by pride or prejudice, even the most evident wonders could not overcome their unbelief. Conversely, the open-hearted, like the children, readily recognized and responded to the divine presence in Jesus' works. Thus, thaumásios points to the revelatory nature of Jesus' miracles, not just as displays of power, but as calls to recognize and worship the Son of God.
### Summary
The Greek word G2297 (θαυμάσιος, *thaumásios*), derived from G2295 (θαῦμα, *thauma*), signifies "wondrous" or "marvelous." When used as a neuter noun, it denotes "a wonderful thing" or "a miracle." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Matthew 21:15]] describes the miraculous healings performed by Jesus in the temple. These "wonderful things" served as clear demonstrations of His divine power and authority, eliciting both adoration from the children and indignation from the religious leaders. G2297 is closely related to the verb G2296 (θαυμάζω, "to wonder") and broader concepts of divine power (G1411, δύναμις) and "signs and wonders" (G4592 and G5088). Theologically, thaumásios emphasizes that Jesus' miracles were not merely impressive feats but divine interventions intended to reveal His identity and call forth a response of faith and worship, while also exposing the spiritual blindness of unbelieving hearts.