Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "wondering" often refers to a state of amazement, curiosity, or contemplation, typically in response to the works and words of God. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both the human response to divine actions and the spiritual journey of seeking understanding.
Old Testament InstancesIn the Old Testament, wondering is frequently associated with the miraculous acts of God. For example, in Exodus, the Israelites witness the parting of the Red Sea, an event that leaves them in awe of God's power. This sense of wonder is captured in their song of praise: "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" (
Exodus 15:11).
The Psalms often reflect on the wonders of God as a source of meditation and praise.
Psalm 77:11-12 states, "I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds" . Here, wondering is an act of worship, leading the believer to deeper faith and trust in God.
New Testament InstancesIn the New Testament, the theme of wondering continues, particularly in response to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record numerous instances where the crowds are left in wonder at His teachings and miracles. For example, after Jesus heals a paralytic, the people are described as being filled with awe: "They were all filled with awe and glorified God. 'We have seen remarkable things today,' they said" (
Luke 5:26).
The birth of Jesus also evokes wonder. The shepherds, after hearing the angelic announcement and visiting the newborn Messiah, spread the word, and "all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them" (
Luke 2:18). This amazement is a natural response to the fulfillment of God's promises and the revelation of His plan of salvation.
Spiritual ImplicationsWondering in the biblical sense is not merely passive amazement but often leads to a deeper pursuit of God. It can be a catalyst for faith, prompting individuals to seek understanding and draw closer to the divine. In
Acts 2:12, after witnessing the events of Pentecost, the crowd is described as being "amazed and perplexed," leading them to ask, "What does this mean?" . This question opens the door to Peter's sermon and the subsequent conversion of many.
The Apostle Paul also speaks to the role of wonder in the believer's life. In
Romans 11:33, he exclaims, "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" . Here, wonder is an acknowledgment of the mystery and majesty of God's plan, encouraging humility and reverence.
ConclusionWondering, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted response to God's revelation. It encompasses awe, curiosity, and a desire for deeper understanding, ultimately leading believers to worship and a more profound relationship with God. Through the lens of Scripture, wondering is not just an emotional reaction but a spiritual journey that draws individuals closer to the Creator.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Wonder.
Greek
2296. thaumazo -- to marvel, wonder... 2296 (from 2295 , "a wonder, marvel") -- properly, wonder at, be amazed (marvel),
ie astonished ; , "
wondering very greatly" (Souter); to cause "wonder
...1569. ekthambos -- utterly astounded, amazed
... See 1568 (). greatlywondering, astonished From ek and thambos; utterly astounded
-- greatlywondering. see GREEK ek. see GREEK thambos....
1260. dialogizomai -- to consider
... from dia and logizomai Definition to consider NASB Word Usage discuss (4), discussing
(1), pondering (1), reason (1), reasoned (1), reasoning (7),wondering (1...
Library
The Lamb of God in Scripture
... Angels admire and marvel at this mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh;
they have never left offwondering and adoring the grace of god that gave...
Thoughts on Talking
... particularly on the Sensibles, who pronounce dogmatically on the most trivial points,
and speak in sentences; the Wonderers, who are alwayswondering what o...
The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler
... But all my days are good, and none are ill.".Wondering thereat, the preacher
spake again,.... Silentlywondering, for a little space,....
An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
... He iswondering perhaps how he can tell them what, whom, he has seen; andwondering
too how he can tell them this message entrusted to him....
The Boyhood of Jesus.
... and it may be that there was something in His looks and in His manner which puzzled
them, which set them to thinking of holy things in awondering way; but...
The Empty Tomb. Ch. 24:1-12
... 12 But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and stooping and looking in, he seeth
the linen cloths by themselves; and he departed to his home,wondering at that...
Jesus Seeking Out Peter.
... He waswondering what all this meant.... Peter plods slowly along. There is
no need of haste now. He is thinking,wondering, thinking....
John Chapter vii. 14-18
... But as He taught, "the Jews marvelled;" all indeed, so far as I think, marvelled,
but all were not converted. And why thiswondering?...
Him Then I had Found at Rome, and He Clave to Me by a Most...
... There he had thrice sat as Assessor, with an uncorruptness much wondered at by others,
hewondering at others rather who could prefer gold to honesty....
The Crucifixion.
... The progress was so slow that not even the head of the procession could be seen
from where the two Marys and John were standing,wondering what the noise might...
Thesaurus
Wondering (22 Occurrences)...Wondering (22 Occurrences). Mark 5:20 and he went away, and began to proclaim in
the Decapolis how great things Jesus did to him, and all were
wondering. (YLT).
...Ran (100 Occurrences)
... Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves,
and he departed to his home,wondering what had happened....
Wonder (148 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:33 And while the child's father and mother werewondering at the
words of Symeon concerning Him, (Root in WEY BBE DBY YLT)....
Wonderfully (12 Occurrences)
Wasting (57 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:4 And they arewondering that you no longer go with them in this violent
wasting of life, and are saying evil things of you: (BBE)....
Utterly (170 Occurrences)
... 5:24 When the Commander of the Temple Guards and the High Priests heard this statement,
they were utterly at a loss with regard to it,wondering what would...
Openness (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:13 And beholding the openness of Peter and John, and having perceived that
they are men unlettered and plebeian, they werewondering -- they were taking...
Lips (199 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:22 And they all spoke well of Him,wondering at the sweet words of kindness
which fell from His lips, while they asked one another, "Is not this...
Learning (40 Occurrences)
... (WEY). John 7:15 and the Jews werewondering, saying, 'How hath this one
known letters -- not having learned?' (See RSV NIV). John...
Guards (42 Occurrences)
... 5:24 When the Commander of the Temple Guards and the High Priests heard this statement,
they were utterly at a loss with regard to it,wondering what would...
Resources
Is God imaginary? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWondering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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