Topical Encyclopedia
The term "marveled" in the Bible is often used to describe a reaction of wonder or astonishment in response to the actions, teachings, or miracles of Jesus Christ, as well as other divine interventions. This reaction is seen in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's work and the human response to it.
Old Testament ContextWhile the specific term "marveled" is more frequently associated with the New Testament, the concept of marveling at God's works is present throughout the Old Testament. The Israelites often expressed awe at God's mighty acts, such as the parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:31) and the provision of manna in the wilderness (
Exodus 16:15). These events elicited a response of wonder and reverence, acknowledging the power and majesty of God.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word often translated as "marveled" is "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō). This term is used to describe the reaction of individuals and crowds to Jesus' miraculous deeds and profound teachings.
1.
Miracles of Jesus: The Gospels frequently record instances where people marveled at Jesus' miracles. For example, in
Matthew 8:27, after Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" . Similarly, in
Mark 5:20, after Jesus healed the demon-possessed man, the people marveled at what had happened.
2.
Teachings of Jesus: Jesus' teachings also evoked marvel. In
John 7:15, the Jews marveled, asking, "How did this man attain such learning without having studied?" . His wisdom and authority were unlike anything they had encountered, prompting astonishment and reflection.
3.
Reactions to Jesus' Authority: The authority with which Jesus spoke and acted often left people in awe. In
Matthew 9:8, after Jesus healed a paralytic, the crowds marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
4.
Unbelief and Marvel: Interestingly, Jesus Himself marveled at times, particularly at the unbelief of those who witnessed His works. In
Mark 6:6, it is recorded, "And He was amazed at their unbelief" . This highlights the contrast between the expected response of faith and the reality of skepticism.
Theological ImplicationsThe instances of marveling in the Bible underscore the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the supernatural character of His mission. The reactions of those who witnessed His works serve as a testament to His identity as the Son of God. The marveling of the crowds often led to glorification of God, demonstrating that the purpose of these miraculous events was to reveal God's glory and draw people to faith.
In a broader theological sense, the concept of marveling invites believers to maintain a posture of awe and reverence towards God. It encourages a recognition of His ongoing work in the world and in individual lives, prompting worship and deeper faith. The biblical narrative of marveling serves as a reminder of the extraordinary nature of God's interaction with humanity and the appropriate response of wonder and belief.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Marvel.
Greek
2296. thaumazo -- to marvel, wonder... marvel, wonder NASB Word Usage am amazed (1), amazed (15), amazement (1), astonished
(3), being amazed (1), flattering (1), marvel (4),
marveled (5), marveling
...Library
The Centurion
... Messiahship. Again and again He hadmarveled at their unbelief. But Hemarveled
at the faith of the centurion who came to Him. The...
The Tribute Money
... God's. And theymarveled greatly at Him." Mark 12:13-17 (RV) THE contrast
is very striking between this incident and the last. Instead...
2 Thessalonians i. 9, 10
... even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord, and from the glory of His might,
when He shall come to be glorified in His Saints, and to bemarveled at in...
Controversy
... When the Pharisees heard Christ's answer, "theymarveled, and left Him, and went
their way." He had rebuked their hypocrisy and presumption, and in doing this...
John vii. 9, 10
... Such was the power of His speech. And they who had said, "He deceiveth the people,"
altered their opinion, "andmarveled." Wherefore also they said,. Ver.15....
Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... If Jesusmarveled at the faith of a Gentile which trusted the fullness of his divine
power, he alsomarveled at the disbelief of this Jew which thus coolly and...
The Loved Ones Chastened
... we shut our ear to them, and applied them to our brother instead of to
ourselves. I have oftenmarveled when I have been preaching....
The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and...
... was a great calm. But the menmarveled, saying, What manner of man is this,
that even the winds and the sea obey him! And when he...
Under Verus, Polycarp with Others Suffered Martyrdom at Smyrna.
... know the man thought that they beheld a miracle when they observed his advanced
age and the gravity and firmness of his bearing, and theymarveled that so much...
The Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp,
... saying, "God's will be done." [428] ?^2Thus, when he heard of their arrival, he
went downstairs and talked with them, while those who looked onmarveled at his...
Thesaurus
Marveled (31 Occurrences)...Marveled (31 Occurrences).
... Matthew 8:27 The men
marveled, saying, "What kind of man
is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (WEB WBS RSV).
...Amazed (75 Occurrences)
... The miracles of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's bestowal of the gift of tongues
produced the same universal wonder (Acts 2:7: "They were all amazed andmarveled...
Astonished (92 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 1:63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They
allmarveled.... Theymarveled at his answer, and were silent. (See NIV)....
Multitudes (72 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT). Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, theymarveled
and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. (WEB KJV ASV YLT)....
Marvel (20 Occurrences)
... Marvel (20 Occurrences). Mark 5:20 He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis
how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyonemarveled....
Marveling (4 Occurrences)
... Luke 20:26 They weren't able to trap him in his words before the people.
Theymarveled at his answer, and were silent. (See RSV)....
Mute (29 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:33 When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudesmarveled,
saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!" (WEB NAS NIV)....
Astonishment (51 Occurrences)
... afraid. (WEB ASV NAS RSV). Luke 1:63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote,
"His name is John." They allmarveled. (See NIV). Luke...
Wind (180 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:27 The menmarveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the
wind and the sea obey him?" (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Greatly (297 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:14 He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor
marveled greatly. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS YLT RSV)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about a Christian serving in the military? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar's”? | GotQuestions.orgMarveled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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