What does "marvel" mean in biblical context?

Meaning and Etymology of “Marvel”

“Marvel” in Scripture conveys wonder, astonishment, or awe at something extraordinary and beyond normal experience. In the Old Testament, this sense is often reflected in Hebrew terms such as תָּמַהּ (tāmah) or שָׁמֵם (shāmēm), depicting a profound awe or amazement at a divine display. In the New Testament, the Greek word most commonly translated “marvel” is θαυμάζω (thaumazō), expressing a similar sense of astonishment. The usage testifies to human responses toward divine power, miracles, remarkable teachings, or unexpected events.

Old Testament Context and Usage

In the Old Testament, “marvel” often points to God’s deeds that transcend human understanding. Passages highlight mighty acts of deliverance and creation. For instance, in Exodus, the plagues on Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea caused the Egyptians and the Israelites alike to marvel at the power of the LORD. This is expressed in Exodus 15:11: “Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?”

Similarly, the Psalms repeatedly provide examples of “marvel” in the face of God’s works in nature and history. Psalm 98:1 declares, “Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous deeds; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” This portrayal establishes that the Lord’s interventions in human affairs are wondrous and worthy of reverent awe.

These accounts underscore that the proper response to seeing God’s power is not disbelief or cold neutrality but worshipful amazement, calling hearts to renewed faith and gratitude.

New Testament Context and Usage

In the New Testament, “marvel” appears when people witness mighty works or unexpected teachings of Jesus. For instance, Mark 6:6 states, “And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He went around from village to village, teaching the people.” The word “amazed” here uses the same root often translated as “marvel.” Remarkably, this verse reveals the two-sided nature of wonder: Jesus Himself marveled at the lack of faith present in those who should have recognized Him.

When Jesus returns to His hometown in Nazareth, the townspeople marvel at His wisdom and authority but still reject Him (Matthew 13:54–57). In another scene, those who witnessed His miracles “were astonished beyond measure” (cf. Mark 7:37). Even hostile observers who challenged His legitimacy often stood in wonder at His teachings (Matthew 22:22).

Additionally, in John 7:21, Jesus says, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed.” This highlights how “marvel” can be a reaction both of faith (those who believe in Him) and of perplexity (those who question Him). The emphasis in the New Testament is that marveling itself does not always imply saving faith; it can be a starting point from which hearts either soften in belief or harden in skepticism.

Marvel as a Response to Divine Power

While “marvel” can describe human reaction to any extraordinary event, Scripture consistently presents the greatest cause for wonder in God’s direct intervention in history. His acts of power—creation, parting seas, healing miracles, resurrection—provoke amazement that calls for a deeper response of worship or recognition of His sovereignty.

This holds especially true in episodes where God intervenes miraculously. For example, after Jesus raised a widow’s son at Nain, “fear swept over all of them, and they glorified God” (Luke 7:16). Such displays of power produce marvel not merely as a superficial emotional response, but as a spark leading to spiritual insight and transformation.

The ultimate demonstration of divine power in the New Testament is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Even the disciples struggled to fully grasp it at first, but ultimately, this event stands as the cornerstone of faith. It prompts the greatest marvel in history, inviting all to reflect on the nature of God’s power and authority over life and death.

Positive and Negative Responses to Marvel

Marveling at God’s work can lead one toward greater belief. Yet, some respond to the extraordinary with hardened hearts. In Luke 4:22, people “spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips,” but moments later, they were filled with anger and attempted to drive Him out of town (Luke 4:28–29).

This illustrated that experiencing a moment of excitement or surprise is not synonymous with ongoing faith. The biblical witness urges that a deeper acceptance and obedience should follow amazement, lest the initial wonder fade into doubt or rejection.

Practical Implications of Biblical “Marvel”

1. Call to Worship: Recognizing God’s works—whether through creation, miracles, or providential guidance—should evoke worship and grateful humility (Psalm 98:1).

2. Invitation to Examine Faith: Marveling can be a point of spiritual entry. When confronted with divine truths, the awe one feels can lead to reflection on God’s character and the necessity of responding in faith.

3. Caution Against Superficial Wonder: Mere surprise or excitement about the supernatural does not constitute a saving faith. As seen with some who marveled at Jesus yet did not follow Him, wonder must be accompanied by repentance and belief.

4. Witness and Testimony: When believers share their encounter with God’s power—through answered prayer, transformation of character, or miraculous events—they invite others to experience that same sense of marvel and draw near to Him.

Archaeological and Historical Witness to Marvel

Throughout history, discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (found in the mid-20th century) have confirmed the consistent transmission and reliability of the Hebrew Scriptures, which record these “marvelous” works of God. Additional evidence from first-century historical writings and manuscripts speaks to the authenticity of the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life, miracles, and His resurrection—events that continue to cause astonishment across the centuries.

These findings serve to reinforce the biblical testimony: that the phenomena causing “marvel” in the ancient texts are grounded in actual historical occurrences. The continuity between archaeological evidence, manuscript reliability, and the unchanging significance of Christ’s resurrection together validate the biblical call to marvel at God’s ongoing work among humankind.

Conclusion

In biblical usage, “marvel” is far more than momentary surprise. It involves a heart-level astonishment at the extraordinary works of the Almighty. Scripture underscores that this response can propel one toward deeper faith, worship, and eternal hope—as displayed most magnificently in the resurrection of Christ.

Every account of marvel in Scripture reminds readers that God’s power transcends human limitations. When confronted by what God can do and has done, hearts and minds are summoned to respond, not simply with admiration but with a life-oriented recognition of His glory and authority.