Topical Encyclopedia
The term "marvelled" in the Bible is often used to describe a reaction of wonder, astonishment, or amazement in response to the works and teachings of God, Jesus Christ, or His followers. This reaction is frequently seen in the New Testament, where the miraculous acts and profound teachings of Jesus evoke a sense of awe among those who witness them.
Old Testament ContextWhile the specific term "marvelled" is more prevalent in the New Testament, the concept of marveling at God's works is present throughout the Old Testament. The psalmists often express wonder at the majesty and power of God's creation and His mighty acts. For example,
Psalm 139:14 states, "I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." This sense of wonder is a recognition of God's sovereignty and creative power.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, "marvelled" is used to describe the reaction of people to Jesus' miracles and teachings. One notable instance is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where the crowds marvel at Jesus' authority and wisdom.
Matthew 8:27 records, "The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!'"
Another significant occurrence is in
Matthew 9:33 , where, after Jesus heals a mute man possessed by a demon, the crowd marvels, saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." This reaction underscores the unprecedented nature of Jesus' ministry and the divine authority with which He operated.
In the Gospel of Mark, the term is used to describe the reaction of Jesus Himself. In
Mark 6:6 , it is written, "And He was amazed at their unbelief." Here, Jesus marvels at the lack of faith among the people of Nazareth, highlighting the contrast between human skepticism and divine truth.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "marvelled" in the New Testament serves to emphasize the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the extraordinary impact of His ministry. The reactions of those who witness His works reflect a recognition of the supernatural and the breaking in of God's kingdom into the world. This sense of wonder is not merely an emotional response but a testament to the power and authority of Jesus as the Son of God.
Furthermore, the instances where Jesus Himself marvels, such as at the faith of the centurion in
Matthew 8:10 — "When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, 'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith'" — highlight the importance of faith and belief in the Christian life. These moments serve as a call to believers to cultivate a faith that recognizes and responds to the divine presence and action in the world.
ConclusionThe concept of marveling in the Bible invites believers to reflect on the majesty and mystery of God's work in the world. It challenges individuals to respond with faith and awe to the divine revelations and to recognize the extraordinary nature of Jesus Christ's life and ministry.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. p.) of Marvel.
Library
And While theyMarvelled at That, Behold, Two Men Standing Above...
... The Text of the Diatessaron. Section LIII. And while theymarvelled at
that, behold, two men standing above them? [1] [3704] And...
When Archelaus had Finished this Speech, the Crowds of People...
... 51 When Archelaus had finished this speech, the crowds of peoplemarvelled
at the truth of? When Archelaus had finished this speech...
For in the Aforesaid Book He Thus Speaks: IMarvelled More than I...
... A TRANSLATION OF THE LEGENDA IN THE OFFICE PREPARED FOR THE BLESSED HERMIT RICHARD
LECTION V. For in the aforesaid book he thus speaks: Imarvelled more than I...
Who Shall Weigh the Recompense of Abraham? whom IMarvelled at...
... Hymn LXIII. Who shall weigh the recompense of Abraham? whom Imarvelled at when
he bound, his only son. 1. Who shall weigh the recompense of Abraham?...
John Chapter vii. 14-18
... 2. Then afterwards the Lord went up to the feast, "about the middle of the feast,
and taught." "And the Jewsmarvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters...
Christ Thwarted
... healed them. And Hemarvelled because of their unbelief.'"Mark 6:5,6. It
is possible to live too near a man to see him. Familiarity...
The Sleeping Apostle
... No wonder if there is almost a tone of surprise discernible in our Lord's word,
as if He who 'marvelled at the unbelief' of those who were not His followers...
Of the Withering of the Fig-Tree, and of the Question as to the...
... And presently the fig-tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they
marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered away!...
"He is the Head, and we be his Members. " "Therefore Our Father...
... Imarvelled how this Servant might meekly suffer there all this woe, and I beheld
with carefulness to learn if I could perceive in him any fault, or if the...
The Story of St. Ursula
... Now Ursula grew day by day in grace and loveliness, and in such wisdom
that all menmarvelled. Yet should they not havemarvelled...
Thesaurus
Marvelled (27 Occurrences)...Marvelled (27 Occurrences).
... (KJV ASV). Matthew 8:27 But the men
marvelled, saying,
What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
...Marvel (20 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American) has "wonder" for "marvel" (Revelation
17:7)' "the marvel" for a "marvellous thing" (John 9:30); "marvelled" for "wondered...
Marvelous (30 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American) has "wonder" for "marvel" (Revelation
17:7)' "the marvel" for a "marvellous thing" (John 9:30); "marvelled" for "wondered...
Insomuch (24 Occurrences)
... very elect. (KJV). Matthew 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch
that the governormarvelled greatly. (KJV ASV). Mark...
Verily (146 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, hemarvelled, and said to them that followed,
Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel....
Knoweth (152 Occurrences)
... God. (KJV ASV WBS). John 7:15 And the Jewsmarvelled, saying, How knoweth
this man letters, having never learned? (KJV ASV WBS). John...
Learned (70 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). John 7:15 And the Jewsmarvelled, saying, How
knoweth this man letters, having never learned? (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)....
Galilaeans (6 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed andmarvelled, saying one to another, Behold,
are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY)....
Waited (72 Occurrences)
... Jesus. (KJV WBS). Luke 1:21 And the people waited for Zacharias, andmarvelled
that he tarried so long in the temple. (KJV WBS). Luke...
Wonder (148 Occurrences)
... For "wondered" in Luke 8:25; Luke 11:14, the Revised Version (British and American)
has "marvelled" (compare 9:43); in the Old Testament also "marvellous...
Resources
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