ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō)
ekplēssō
be astonished
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekplēssō describes a sudden, overwhelming shock that leaves one stunned or astonished. Its literal sense involves striking something out or driving it away, but in Scripture it is used passively to depict people being struck with amazement. This usage appears frequently in the Synoptic Gospels, capturing moments where Jesus’ teaching or actions disrupt ordinary expectations.
The word conveys a forceful impact on the mind, distinct from simple fear or trembling. While other terms describe terror or anxiety, ekplēssō focuses on the cognitive disorientation caused by something unexpected. For instance, crowds in Matthew 7:28 and Mark 1:22 are amazed by his authority, and disciples in Luke 9:43 are struck with wonder at a miracle. It is not merely surprise, but a profound reaction to divine power.
This astonishment often serves as a narrative marker of revelation. When Jesus heals or teaches, the resulting shock signals that something new has entered the world. The word appears in Acts 13:12 as well, where the proconsul believes after witnessing this same kind of striking wonder. It captures the human response to God’s intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekplēssō captures a sudden, overwhelming shock that leaves one stunned or astonished. In the Gospels, it describes the reaction of crowds and disciples when Jesus taught with authority or performed miracles that defied ordinary expectations. This is not mere surprise but a profound cognitive disorientation caused by encountering divine power directly.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God’s intervention often disrupts our routine understanding. When you face situations that seem impossible or confusing, remember that such moments can be invitations to deeper trust. The astonishment felt by those who witnessed Jesus’ works was the precursor to belief and transformation.
Consider how the proconsul in Acts 13:12 responded with belief after being astonished by what he saw. Your own encounters with God’s work may begin with a sense of wonder that leads you to rely more fully on His strength rather than your own.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were astonished4×
- they were astonished4×
- was astonished1×
- to be astonished1×
- they were astonished,1×
- being astonished1×
- Were astonished1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεπλήσσοντο9×
- ἐξεπλήσσετο1×
- ἐξεπλάγησαν,1×
- ἐκπλήσσεσθαι1×
- ἐκπλησσόμενος1×
Key Verses
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Mark 1:22
They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
This verse highlights the source of astonishment: Jesus taught with an inherent authority that contrasted sharply with the scribes, signaling a new divine presence.
-
Matthew 7:28
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
Here, the crowd’s astonishment follows the Sermon on the Mount, marking the conclusion of Jesus’ most comprehensive ethical teaching and confirming its unique weight.
-
Acts 13:12
Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
The proconsul’s astonishment at the Lord’s teaching directly leads to his belief, showing how divine wonder can open the heart to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ekplēssō mean?
How is ekplēssō different from simple surprise?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 4 verses
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
Matthew 13:54Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this…
Matthew 19:25When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
Matthew 22:33When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.