ἔκστασις (ekstasis)
ekstasis
amazement
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ekstasis describes a state of being displaced or thrown out of one’s normal mental equilibrium. In the New Testament, it captures two related experiences: a trance-like vision where consciousness turns inward toward divine realities, and a profound amazement that leaves observers stunned by an event’s novelty or power.
This dual meaning appears clearly in the Gospels and Acts. In Mark 5:42 and Luke 5:26, crowds fall into ekstasis after witnessing Jesus raise the dead and heal the sick, overwhelmed by fear and wonder. Similarly, Peter experiences it in Acts 3:10 upon seeing a lame man walk. Conversely, Acts 10:10 and 22:17 use the word for Paul’s visionary trances, where he is “out of himself” while receiving direct revelation from God.
The term derives from ek (“out”) and histēmi (“to stand”), literally meaning to stand outside oneself. This etymology reflects how ancient writers viewed such experiences not as madness, but as a temporary suspension of ordinary awareness to encounter something greater. Translators often render it “amazement” or “trance,” depending on context, preserving the sense of being transported beyond normal perception.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekstasis literally means standing outside of oneself, describing a moment when ordinary awareness pauses to encounter something greater. In the Gospels and Acts, this term captures both profound amazement at Jesus’ miracles and trance-like states where divine revelation breaks through. It reminds us that faith often involves moments where our usual understanding is suspended, leaving room for wonder and direct experience of God’s power.
When we read of crowds falling into ekstasis after witnessing healings or resurrections, we see a response rooted in awe rather than fear. Similarly, Peter and Paul experienced this state not as madness, but as a temporary shift in consciousness to receive God’s message. This word invites us to remain open to moments where God interrupts our routine, offering clarity, hope, or a fresh perspective on our lives.
Whether in the shock of sudden joy or the quiet focus of prayerful vision, ekstasis points to a holy disruption. It encourages us to value stillness and attentiveness, trusting that God may speak most clearly when our minds are still enough to listen. May you find peace in these pauses, knowing they are gifts for your spiritual growth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- amazement2×
- a trance2×
- with amazement1×
- amazement.1×
- a trance,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκστάσει3×
- ἔκστασις.1×
- ἔκστασις,1×
- ἔκστασις1×
- ἐκστάσεως1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:42
Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement.
This occurrence highlights how witnessing Jesus’ power over death leaves observers in a state of stunned amazement, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of divine intervention.
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Acts 10:10
He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.
Here the word describes Peter’s trance-like state during prayer, showing how ekstasis can signify a receptive posture for receiving direct revelation from God.
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Luke 5:26
Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”
The crowd’s amazement after Jesus heals the paralytic leads directly to glorifying God, linking the experience of ekstasis with worship and recognition of divine authority.
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Acts 3:10
They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
The healed beggar’s former friends are filled with wonder at his restoration, illustrating how ekstasis arises from recognizing God’s work in unexpected places.