ἐκθαμβέω (ekthambeō)
ekthambeō
be awe-struck
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekthambeō describes a state of being thoroughly astounded or struck with awe. It conveys an intense emotional reaction where amazement borders on terror, leaving the observer unable to respond normally. This word appears only four times in the New Testament, primarily within the Gospel of Mark.
In these passages, the term captures moments when witnesses encounter something beyond ordinary experience. Jesus uses it to describe his own distress in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33), highlighting a profound inner turmoil. Similarly, crowds are described as ekthambeō when they see him heal a leper (Mark 1:27) or when the women find the empty tomb (Mark 16:5-6). The intensity suggests that the divine presence disrupts their composure completely.
Its root combines a prefix meaning "out of" with a word for trembling or fear. This etymology reinforces the idea of being shaken to one's core. Translators often render it as "amazed" or "greatly amazed," though this may soften the visceral shock implied by the Greek. The word serves as a marker for encounters that transcend human understanding, leaving those who witness them speechless and overwhelmed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekthambeō describes a shock so deep it leaves us breathless. When the crowds saw Jesus heal or when the women found the empty tomb, their composure shattered. This is not just surprise; it is being shaken to the core by something holy. In Gethsemane, even Jesus felt this weight, showing that facing the divine brings a heavy, trembling awe.
For you, this word reminds us that faith is not always calm. Sometimes God’s presence disrupts our routine and leaves us speechless. Instead of fearing this shock, we can trust that it points to His power. Whether in joy or sorrow, encountering Him changes us. We do not need to understand every detail; we only need to stand in awe of who He is.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be greatly awe-struck1×
- they were greatly amazed.1×
- they marvelled1×
- do be amazed.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεθαμβήθησαν.1×
- ἐξεθαμβήθησαν1×
- ἐκθαμβεῖσθε.1×
- ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 14:33
He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed.
This verse uniquely applies the word to Jesus Himself, revealing His human vulnerability and the profound weight of the cross.
-
Mark 16:5
Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed.
The women’s amazement here marks the moment their old understanding of death was overturned by the reality of the resurrection.
-
Mark 16:6
He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him!
Jesus’ command to not be amazed invites us to move past our initial shock and focus on the factual hope of His rising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekthambeō mean in the Bible?
How is ekthambeō different from general amazement?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Mark 4 verses
Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him.
Mark 14:33He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed.
Mark 16:5Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed.
Mark 16:6He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen! He is not here.…