Greek · Strong's G2296
θαυμάζω
thaumázō (thau-MAH-zoh)
verb
To wonder or marvel; to be struck with admiration, astonishment, or surprise.
The Greek verb θαυμάζω (thaumázō) encapsulates a range of emotional responses, primarily astonishment, wonder, or admiration. It can describe a positive reaction, such as being deeply impressed by something remarkable, or a more neutral sense of surprise. The context often determines whether the wonder is accompanied by awe, perplexity, or even fear. It is a common human experience to encounter the unexpected, and θαυμάζω captures this often strong initial reaction.
The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, uses θαυμάζω to render several Hebrew terms, often conveying the idea of amazement or awe in response to God's mighty acts or miraculous interventions. This usage carries into the New Testament, where people marvel at Jesus' teachings, miracles, and authority. The word highlights human astoundment in the face of the divine, the unusual, or the inexplicable, whether in a good or bad sense. It often signals a significant event or characteristic that elicits a strong emotional or intellectual response from observers.
In some instances, θαυμάζω can denote a sense of bewilderment or even a negative astonishment, such as marveling at someone's unbelief or at the actions of evil. This demonstrates the broadness of its semantic range. The term underscores the human element of observation and reaction to phenomena that transcend ordinary expectation. The New Testament uses it in various contexts to show how different individuals and groups reacted to the unfolding of God's plan and the presence of the Messiah, sometimes with belief and sometimes with resistance.
Common English renderings
- marvel
- wonder
- admire
- be amazed
Key verses
"And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching."
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"And he gave him no answer, not even to one word: insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."
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"And when they heard it, they marvelled, and left him, and went away."
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"And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;"
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"The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"
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