Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:Marveling, in biblical terms, refers to the act of being filled with wonder, astonishment, or admiration, often in response to witnessing the works of God, the teachings of Jesus, or miraculous events. It is an emotional and intellectual response that acknowledges the extraordinary nature of divine actions or revelations.
Old Testament Context:In the Old Testament, marveling is often associated with the mighty acts of God. The Israelites frequently marveled at God's deliverance and provision. For instance, in
Exodus 15:11, after the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sing, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" This expression of marveling highlights the recognition of God's unparalleled power and holiness.
New Testament Context:In the New Testament, marveling is frequently associated with the ministry of Jesus Christ. People often marveled at His teachings, authority, and miracles. In
Matthew 8:27, after Jesus calms the storm, the disciples marvel, saying, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" This reaction underscores the divine authority of Jesus, which surpasses human understanding.
Another significant instance is found in
Mark 6:2, where the people of Nazareth marvel at Jesus' wisdom and miracles, yet their familiarity with Him leads to unbelief: "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What is this wisdom that has been given to Him, and how are these miracles performed by His hands?"
Jesus' Response to Marveling:Jesus Himself sometimes marveled, particularly at the faith or lack thereof in individuals. In
Matthew 8:10, Jesus marvels at the faith of the centurion, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." Conversely, in
Mark 6:6, Jesus marvels at the unbelief of the people in His hometown: "And He was amazed at their unbelief."
Theological Implications:Marveling in the Bible often serves as a catalyst for deeper faith and understanding. It is a recognition of the divine breaking into the ordinary, prompting individuals to reflect on the nature and power of God. The act of marveling can lead to worship, as seen in the response of the disciples and others who witnessed Jesus' miracles.
Practical Application:For believers today, marveling at God's works can be a spiritual discipline that fosters gratitude and reverence. By intentionally reflecting on the wonders of creation, the intricacies of God's providence, and the redemptive work of Christ, Christians can cultivate a heart of worship and deepen their faith. Marveling reminds believers of God's sovereignty and the miraculous nature of His involvement in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Marvel.
Greek
2296. thaumazo -- to marvel, wonder... NASB Word Usage am amazed (1), amazed (15), amazement (1), astonished (3), being
amazed (1), flattering (1), marvel (4), marveled (5),
marveling (2), surprised
...Library
Uniformity in all Things.
...Marveling at these deeds, since his life was no more exemplary than the lives of
the other monks, the superior asked him one day what was the cause of these...
The Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp,
... 2From this circumstance, all the crowd,marveling at the heroism of the God-loving
and God-fearing race of the Christians, shouted: "Away with the atheists!...
Matt. Iii. 7
... For he spake these things, asmarveling at them, that they were become able, however
late, to do what seemed almost an impossibility for them....
Under Verus, Polycarp with Others Suffered Martyrdom at Smyrna.
... 6. After his glorious death the whole multitude,marveling at the bravery of the
God-beloved martyr and at the fortitude of the whole race of Christians, began...
Whether the Son of God Assumed a Human Mind or Intellect?
... Nowmarveling cannot be without reason, since it implies the collation of effect
and cause, ie inasmuch as when we see an effect and are ignorant of its cause...
John I.
... By this Apostle stand the powers from above,marveling at the beauty of his soul,
and his understanding, and the bloom of that virtue by which he drew unto him...
The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should...
... Many people travel far to honor the relics of the saints,marveling at their
wonderful deeds and at the building of magnificent shrines....
John vii. 9, 10
... Ver.15. "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?". Observest thou how
the Evangelist showeth here also theirmarveling to be full of wickedness?...
Six Months' Record
... A silence fell on those assembled, and,marveling at such testimony, Brother Gordon
proceeded with the service feeling as if there was little more he could say...
Satan Considering the Saints
... finds him faithful to God and to his truth, he considers him as we should consider
a phenomenon"Perhaps despising him for his folly, but yetmarveling at him...
Thesaurus
Marveling (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Marveling (4 Occurrences). Luke 2:33 Joseph and his mother
were
marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, (WEB).
...Marvelled (27 Occurrences)
Marveled (31 Occurrences)
Majesty (67 Occurrences)
... majesty of God. But while all weremarveling at all the things which Jesus
did, he said to his disciples, (WEB ASV RSV). Acts 10:46...
Marvel (20 Occurrences)
... thing" (John 9:30); "marvelled" for "wondered" (Luke 8:25; Luke 11:14); "marvelled
at" for "admired" (2 Thessalonians 1:10); "marveling" for "wondered" (Luke 9...
Marvelous (30 Occurrences)
... thing" (John 9:30); "marvelled" for "wondered" (Luke 8:25; Luke 11:14); "marvelled
at" for "admired" (2 Thessalonians 1:10); "marveling" for "wondered" (Luke 9...
Amazed (75 Occurrences)
... afraid. (KJV WBS). Luke 2:33 Joseph and his mother weremarveling at the
things which were spoken concerning him, (See NAS). Luke...
Astonished (92 Occurrences)
... majesty of God. But while all weremarveling at all the things which Jesus
did, he said to his disciples, (WEB ASV DBY RSV). Luke 11...
Spoken (631 Occurrences)
... (ASV YLT). Luke 2:33 Joseph and his mother weremarveling at the things which
were spoken concerning him, (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT). Luke...
Resources
What does the Bible say about selflessness? | GotQuestions.orgUnconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgMarveling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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