The Greek word thaumastós, represented by G2298, is derived from a root word meaning "wondered at" and is used to describe something wonderful or a marvel. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses, highlighting specific moments or concepts that are intended to evoke awe and astonishment.
In scripture, G2298 is used to describe the works of God that are beyond human comprehension. Jesus quotes the Old Testament to describe his own rejection and future exaltation as a "marvellous" act of the Lord (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:11). In the book of Revelation, the term is paired with "great" to characterize the heavenly "sign" of the seven angels and the "works" of God Almighty (Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:3). It is also used to describe the state of believers, who have been called out of darkness into God's "marvellous light" 1 Peter 2:9. The word can also describe a human reaction, as when the man born blind calls his healing a "marvellous thing" John 9:30, or express a lack of surprise, as when Paul states it is "no marvel" that Satan can appear as an angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14.
Several related words help clarify the context in which things are considered marvellous:
- G3173 mégas: This word for great or mighty is used alongside G2298 to emphasize the immense scale of God's works and signs, as seen in the phrase "great and marvellous" (Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:3).
- G2041 érgon: Defined as a work, deed, or act, this word identifies what is being described as marvellous. The song of Moses and the Lamb proclaims that God's works are "Great and marvellous" Revelation 15:3.
- G4592 sēmeîon: This word for a sign, miracle, or token, is explicitly described as "great and marvellous" in the vision of the seven last plagues, linking the concept of the marvellous to supernatural indications from God Revelation 15:1.
- G5457 phōs: Meaning light, this word is modified by G2298 in the context of salvation. Believers are called into God's "marvellous light," portraying their new spiritual state as a wonderful reality 1 Peter 2:9.
The theological weight of G2298 is centered on the divine nature of God's actions and their effect on humanity.
- Divine Sovereignty: The term is used to describe the Lord's doing in exalting the rejected stone, which points to God's sovereign plan of salvation through Christ Matthew 21:42.
- Supernatural Revelation: In Revelation, "marvellous" qualifies the works and signs of God, emphasizing that His actions are glorious, awe-inspiring, and far above earthly events (Revelation 15:1, Revelation 15:3).
- The Wonder of Salvation: By calling believers into His "marvellous light," God's act of salvation is framed not just as a change of status but as a wonderful and astonishing deliverance from darkness 1 Peter 2:9.
- Awe-Inspiring Miracles: The healing of the blind man is called a "marvellous thing," demonstrating that God's power at work in the world rightly produces a response of wonder and astonishment John 9:30.
In summary, G2298 is more than just an adjective for something impressive. It is a specific descriptor for acts, signs, and states of being that originate from God and are meant to be wondered at. Whether describing the exaltation of Christ, the final judgments in Revelation, or the light of salvation into which believers are called, thaumastós points to the awe-inspiring and supernatural character of God's work.
TRV