The term "aghast" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of being struck with overwhelming shock or amazement is present throughout the Scriptures. The word "aghast" is often used in modern translations to describe reactions of fear, astonishment, or horror in various biblical narratives.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Fear and Astonishment: The Bible frequently describes individuals who are struck with fear or amazement in response to divine encounters or miraculous events. For example, when the shepherds witnessed the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth, they were initially "terrified" (Luke 2:9). This reaction can be understood as being aghast at the sudden and divine revelation.

2. Prophetic Visions: Prophets often experienced overwhelming emotions when receiving visions from God. In the book of Daniel, the prophet describes his reaction to a vision: "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me" (Daniel 7:15). Such experiences left the prophets in a state akin to being aghast, as they grappled with the weight and significance of divine messages.

3. Judgment and Destruction: The Bible also depicts people as being aghast in the face of God's judgment. In the book of Revelation, the fall of Babylon is met with horror and astonishment by those who witness it: "The kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her" (Revelation 18:9). The reaction of the onlookers can be described as being aghast at the sudden and complete destruction.

4. Miraculous Events: The New Testament records numerous instances where people were left in awe and amazement at the miracles performed by Jesus. After Jesus calmed the storm, His disciples were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41). Their reaction reflects a sense of being aghast at the power and authority of Christ.

Theological Implications

The reactions of being aghast in the Bible often highlight the human response to the divine and the supernatural. These moments underscore the holiness and power of God, eliciting a response of fear, reverence, and awe. They serve as reminders of the transcendence of God and the appropriate human posture of humility and worship in His presence.

Related Concepts

· Fear of the Lord: The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord, which encompasses awe, reverence, and respect for God's majesty and authority. This fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is closely related to the feeling of being aghast in the presence of the divine.

· Awe and Wonder: The sense of wonder at God's creation, His works, and His character is a recurring theme in Scripture. The psalmist declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1), inviting believers to respond with awe and amazement.

In summary, while the specific term "aghast" is not used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the profound impact of encountering the divine and the supernatural.(a.) Terrified; struck with horror; amazed.

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... When first I heard an oath, I stood aghast, and knew not where to hide myself; yet
now I can hear an imprecation or blasphemy against God, and though a shudder ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

In the Hands of Giant Accuser
... you. If any one sees you with it, you can tell him a lie about it,' he said
to me. "I stood aghast at the suggestion. Never before ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter seven in the hands.htm

Significant Phrases
... aggrandizement and plunder. agreeable and ingenuous. aggressive and sullen. aghast
and incredulous. agility and briskness. agitate and control. agony and despair ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ii significant phrases.htm

Charity and Loneliness.
... Then the church, aghast, as usual, at anything new" always down upon a measure,
whether good or bad, if it has the awful quality of being new"was down upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vi charity and loneliness.htm

Hymn at Cock-Crow
... Then wept he bitter tears aghast That from his lips the words had passed, Though
guileless he his soul possessed And faith still reigned within his breast. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/i hymn at cock-crow.htm

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... Lord". The heart of the king shall perish, And the heart of the princes,
And the priests shall be aghast And the prophets dismayed! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... the courage to show their face in broad daylight, although their evil, restless
heart and conscience ought to cause them to tremble, to stand aghast, and to be ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

Two Safe
... His father and mother, aghast and distressed, did all they could to prevent
the disgrace incurred by his open confession of Christ. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxx two safe.htm

"He Hardened his Heart"
... Egypt was on her knees, but the gods were aghast and helpless in the face of
the hideous power of the unsubstantial, unimaged God of Israel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxx he hardened his.htm

Of the Power of Prayer.
... extinguishes persecutions, consoles the faint-spirited, cheers the high-spirited,
escorts travellers, appeases waves, makes robbers stand aghast, nourishes the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxix of the power of.htm

Aghast (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aghast (2 Occurrences). Job 26:11 The pillars of
heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke. (See NIV). ...
/a/aghast.htm - 7k

Agia

/a/agia.htm - 6k

Aggressor (2 Occurrences)

/a/aggressor.htm - 7k

Astonishment (51 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be affrighted; pangs and throes shall take hold them;
they shall be in pain as a woman in travail; they shall look aghast one at ...
/a/astonishment.htm - 24k

Anguish (75 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be affrighted; pangs and throes shall take hold them;
they shall be in pain as a woman in travail; they shall look aghast one at ...
/a/anguish.htm - 29k

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