Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage in Scripture:The term "marvel" in the Bible is often used to describe a sense of wonder or astonishment, typically in response to the miraculous works of God or the extraordinary actions of Jesus Christ. It conveys a reaction of awe and amazement at events or phenomena that surpass human understanding or expectation. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, the concept of marveling is frequently associated with the mighty acts of God. The Israelites often marveled at God's deliverance and the wonders He performed on their behalf. For instance, in Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea is an event that would have caused great marvel among the people. Although the specific word "marvel" may not always be used, the reaction of awe is implicit in the narrative of God's miraculous interventions. New Testament Context: In the New Testament, the Greek word "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō) is often translated as "marvel." This term is used to describe the reaction of people to Jesus' teachings and miracles. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, the crowds marveled at Jesus' authority and wisdom: "When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching" (Matthew 22:33). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, the disciples marveled at Jesus' command over the wind and the sea: "They were terrified and asked one another, 'Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!'" (Mark 4:41). Jesus and Marveling: Interestingly, Jesus Himself is described as marveling on two occasions. In Matthew 8:10, Jesus marvels at the faith of the centurion, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" . Conversely, in Mark 6:6, Jesus marvels at the unbelief of the people in His hometown: "And He was amazed at their unbelief" . These instances highlight the significance of faith and belief in the ministry of Jesus. Theological Implications: The concept of marveling in the Bible underscores the divine nature of God's works and the human response to His power and authority. It serves as a reminder of the transcendence of God and the appropriate human reaction of reverence and awe. The marveling at Jesus' miracles and teachings points to His divine identity and the fulfillment of God's promises through Him. Application for Believers: For believers, the biblical use of "marvel" encourages a posture of humility and worship in response to God's mighty works. It calls Christians to recognize the extraordinary nature of God's intervention in the world and to respond with faith and trust. The marveling at Jesus' authority and compassion serves as an invitation to deepen one's faith and to acknowledge His lordship in all areas of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That which causes wonder; a prodigy; a miracle.2. (n.) Wonder. 3. (v. i.) To be struck with surprise, astonishment, or wonder; to wonder. 4. (v. t.) To marvel at. 5. (v. t.) To cause to marvel, or be surprised; -- used impersonally. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MARVEL; MARVELOUSmar'-vel, mar'-vel-us (tamah, pala'; thaumazo, thaumastos): "To marvel" is the translation of tamah, "to wonder" (Genesis 43:33 Psalm 48:5, the Revised Version (British and American) "were amazed"; Ecclesiastes 5:8); of thaumazo, "to admire," "wonder" (Matthew 8:10, 27 Mark 5:20 John 3:7 Acts 2:7 Revelation 17:7 the King James Version, etc.); "marvel" (substantive) occurs in the plural as translation of pala', "to distinguish," figuratively, "to make wonderful" (Exodus 34:10, "I will do marvels, such as have not been wrought" (the Revised Version margin "created")); and of thaumastos (thauma) (2 Corinthians 11:14). Greek 2296. thaumazo -- to marvel, wonder ... to marvel, wonder. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: thaumazo Phonetic Spelling: (thou-mad'-zo) Short Definition: I wonder, admire Definition: (a) intrans ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2296.htm - 9k 5059. teras -- a wonder, marvel 2295. thauma -- a wonder 2298. thaumastos -- wonderful Strong's Hebrew 4159. mopheth -- a wonder, sign, portent... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a wonder, sign, portent NASB Word Usage marvel (1), marvels (3), miracle (1), miracles (1), sign (8), symbol (1 ... /hebrew/4159.htm - 6k 8539. tamah -- to be astounded or dumbfounded Library Marvel Not The Marvel Is, not that Men have Failed to Know Christ... But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who... But what Marvel that I was Thus Carried Away to Vanities... "I Will Make Use of Another not Dissimilar Marvel in a Like Kind ... 2 Cor. xi. 13 That Ghostly Song Accords not with Bodily: and the Cause and the ... Hosanna! Blessed be He who was Baptized that He Might Baptize You, that Ye ... Love's Commendation Thesaurus Marvel (20 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To marvel at. 5. (vt) To cause to marvel, or be surprised; -- used impersonally. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MARVEL; MARVELOUS. ... /m/marvel.htm - 16k Marvelous (30 Occurrences) Wonder (148 Occurrences) Wonderful (71 Occurrences) Admire (1 Occurrence) Admiration (2 Occurrences) Marveled (31 Occurrences) Amazed (75 Occurrences) Astonished (92 Occurrences) Loveth (88 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Muslim, why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org Marvel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Marvel (20 Occurrences)Mark 5:20 John 3:7 John 5:20 John 5:28 John 7:21 John 9:30 Acts 3:12 Acts 13:41 2 Corinthians 11:14 Galatians 1:6 1 John 3:13 Revelation 12:1 Revelation 15:1 Revelation 17:7 Revelation 17:8 Psalms 71:7 Ecclesiastes 5:8 Isaiah 13:8 Isaiah 29:14 Habakkuk 1:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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