Strong's Lexicon ekthambos: Astonished, amazed, greatly alarmed Original Word: ἐκθαμβός Word Origin: From the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning "out of") and the verb θαμβέω (thambeo, meaning "to astonish" or "to amaze"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "ekthambos," similar expressions of awe and fear in the presence of the divine can be found in Hebrew words like יָרֵא (yare, Strong's H3372), meaning "to fear" or "to be in awe." Usage: The Greek word "ekthambos" conveys a sense of being struck with amazement or awe, often accompanied by a profound emotional response. It is used in the New Testament to describe reactions to divine or supernatural events, highlighting the overwhelming nature of such experiences. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, encounters with the divine or supernatural were often met with a mixture of fear and reverence. The use of "ekthambos" in the New Testament reflects this cultural context, where the manifestation of God's power or presence would evoke a deep sense of wonder and awe. This term underscores the human response to the divine, which transcends ordinary understanding and evokes a profound emotional and spiritual reaction. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1569 ékthambos – utterly astonished, stressing the impact on the viewer in a powerful, personal way (used only in Ac 3:11). See 1568 (ekthambeō). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1569: ἔκθαμβοςἔκθαμβος, ἔκθαμβον (θάμβος, cf. ἔκφοβος), quite astonished, amazed: Acts 3:11. (Polybius 20, 10, 9. Ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings; terrifying, dreadful, Daniel 12:7 Theod..) STRONGS NT 1569a: ἐκθαυμάζωἐκθαυμάζω: (imperfect ἐξεθαύμαζον); to wonder or marvel greatly (see ἐκ, VI. 6): ἐπί τίνι, at one, Mark 12:17 T WH. (Sir. 27:23 Sir. 43:18; Dionysius Halicarnassus, Longinus, others.) From ek and thambos; utterly astounded -- greatly wondering. see GREEK ek see GREEK thambos |
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