Topical Encyclopedia
The term "astounded" refers to a state of amazement or great surprise, often accompanied by wonder or shock. In the biblical context, this reaction is frequently observed in response to the miraculous works and profound teachings of God and His messengers. The Bible records numerous instances where individuals and crowds are left astounded by divine interventions, the authority of Jesus Christ, and the unfolding of God's plan.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the reaction of being astounded is often linked to the mighty acts of God. For example, when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, the surrounding nations were astounded by His power. The parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army left a lasting impression on those who heard of these events. The psalmist reflects on the awe-inspiring deeds of God, which leave the earth's inhabitants in wonder: "Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind" (
Psalm 66:5).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the ministry of Jesus Christ frequently elicited astonishment from those who witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings. The Gospel accounts often describe the crowds as being astounded by Jesus' authority and wisdom. For instance, after Jesus calmed the storm, His disciples were left in awe, questioning, "Who is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" (
Matthew 8:27). Similarly, when Jesus taught in the synagogue, the people were amazed at His teaching, for He spoke with authority unlike the scribes (
Mark 1:22).
The miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons, consistently left onlookers astounded. In
Mark 7:37, after Jesus healed a deaf and mute man, the crowd was "astonished beyond measure, saying, 'He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak.'" .
Apostolic EraThe early church also experienced moments of astonishment as the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, performed signs and wonders. In
Acts 3, Peter and John healed a man lame from birth, and the people were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him (
Acts 3:10). The boldness and miraculous works of the apostles continued to astound both believers and skeptics alike, serving as a testament to the power of the risen Christ.
Theological ImplicationsThe reaction of being astounded in the biblical narrative underscores the divine nature of God's interventions in human history. It highlights the distinction between the natural and the supernatural, drawing attention to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The astonishment experienced by individuals serves as a catalyst for faith, prompting deeper reflection on the identity and mission of Jesus Christ.
In summary, the biblical concept of being astounded is intricately linked to the revelation of God's power and authority. It serves as a reminder of the extraordinary nature of God's works and the profound impact they have on those who witness them.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Astound.
Greek
1569. ekthambos -- utterlyastounded, amazed... utterly
astounded, amazed. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: ekthambos
Phonetic Spelling: (ek'-tham-bos) Short Definition: full of astonishment, amazed
...1569a. ekthambos -- utterlyastounded, amazed
... 1569, 1569a. ekthambos. 1569b . utterlyastounded, amazed. Transliteration:
ekthambos Short Definition: amazed. Word Origin from...
1839. existemi -- to displace, to stand aside from
... ek and histemi Definition to displace, to stand aside from NASB Word Usage amazed
(10), amazement (1), astonished (2), astonishing (1),astounded (1), beside...
1605. ekplesso -- to strike out, hence to strike with panic, to...
... panic, to amaze. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekplesso Phonetic Spelling:
(ek-place'-so) Short Definition: I am thunderstruck,astounded Definition: I...
Strong's Hebrew
8539. tamah -- to beastounded or dumbfounded... 8538, 8539. tamah. 8540 . to be
astounded or dumbfounded. Transliteration:
tamah Phonetic Spelling: (taw-mah') Short Definition: amazed. Word Origin a prim
...8429. tevah -- to be startled or alarmed
... 8428, 8429. tevah. 8430 . to be startled or alarmed. Transliteration: tevah
Phonetic Spelling: (tev-ah') Short Definition:astounded....
8074. shamem -- to be desolated or appalled
... root Definition to be desolated or appalled NASB Word Usage appalled (13), astonished
(8),astounded (1), become desolate (1), causes horror (1), causing...
Library
The Apocalypse of Peter.
... 8. And as we looked upon them, we wereastounded; for their bodies were whiter than
any snow and ruddier than any rose; [3884] 9, and the red thereof was...
This Treatise Has a Favourable Beginning, Since it is the Birthday...
... It is the birthday of St. Agnes, let men admire, let children take courage, let
the married beastounded, let the unmarried take an example....
The Whole Church Affected by what Has Occurred.
... of his wife; and, when he considered the exceeding greatness of the pollution (for
the woman was a Hebrew, and of the tribe of Judah), beingastounded at the...
Letter ccxliv. To Patrophilus, Bishop of ??g??.
... kept you silent. You have been, as it were, amazed andastounded, at the
idea of the change in the notorious Basil. Why, ever since...
Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
... It was at that time then that the blessed Paul wrote these things. Who would not
have beenastounded?... hast thou then cleansed lepers, and all wereastounded?...
The Giving up of Pontius Pilate.
... And the writings having come to the city of the Romans, and having been read to
the C??sar, with not a few standing by, all wereastounded, because through the...
Good Earnests of Great Success
... The attendance at the church meeting was very numerous, and the unanimity that
prevailed not only gratified me, but I must confessastounded me too....
The Birth of Saint George.
... all sorts of savage beasts. Some men would have stoodastounded. Not so
Sir Albert and his faithful Squire. On they went till they...
Pray for all Men; for There is Hope of Repentance for Them...
... be ye armed with faith. Against their fierceness be ye peaceful and quiet,
and be ye notastounded by them. Let us, then, be imitators...
At Dilligen
... quite secondary importance. It would haveastounded us to be in his place
in the little Lutheran church that morning. We try to...
Thesaurus
Astounded (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Astounded (12 Occurrences).
... Luke 8:56 Her parents were
astounded; but He forbad them to mention the matter to any one. (WEY).
...Astoreth
Forbad (11 Occurrences)
... be the Christ. (WEY). Luke 8:56 Her parents wereastounded; but He forbad
them to mention the matter to any one. (WEY). Luke 9:21...
Mention (41 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mention (41 Occurrences). Luke 8:56 Her parents were
astounded; but He forbad them to mention the matter to any one. (WEY)....
Bewildered (11 Occurrences)
... language. (WEB NAS RSV). Acts 2:12 They were allastounded and bewildered,
and asked one another, "What can this mean?" (WEY). Acts...
Astounding (2 Occurrences)
Matter (263 Occurrences)
... believe him?' (WEY). Luke 8:56 Her parents wereastounded; but He forbad
them to mention the matter to any one. (WEY). Luke 12:11...
Astonished (92 Occurrences)
... at his rebuke. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Isaiah 29:9 Beastounded and
astonished, blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunken...
Resources
What does it mean that God is a God of wonders? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are the aroma of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Gospel of John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgAstounded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
