θαῦμα (thauma)
thauma
marvel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thauma refers to something that provokes astonishment, whether as a concrete marvel or an abstract feeling of wonder. In Scripture, it captures the human reaction to events that defy ordinary explanation, standing as a tangible sign of divine power or mystery.
This word appears in just two New Testament passages, yet its context reveals distinct nuances. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul describes Satan masquerading as an angel of light, calling such deception a "marvel" that deceives people through its striking appearance. Conversely, Revelation 17:6 uses the term to describe the intense amazement of those who witness the judgment of the great prostitute, highlighting a sense of horrified awe rather than admiration.
Etymologically linked to verbs meaning to wonder or be amazed, thauma bridges the gap between the object that causes surprise and the internal state of being stunned. Translators often render it as "wonder" or "marvel," but the Greek carries a weight of sudden, overwhelming perception. It reminds readers that true marvels are not merely spectacular displays, but moments that pierce through routine to reveal something extraordinary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thauma captures that sudden pause when reality shifts beneath our feet. It is not just a polite interest, but a deep, often unsettling astonishment at what we witness. In our daily lives, we might feel this when witnessing an act of unexpected grace or confronting a truth that challenges our comfortable assumptions. It reminds us that God’s work in the world often breaks through our routine expectations.
Scripture shows us that this reaction can take different forms. Sometimes it is a sobering realization of spiritual deception, as Paul warns about forces that appear beautiful but lead us astray. At other times, it is a heavy awe before the reality of judgment and justice. Both reactions call us to pay attention, to look closer, and to recognize that some things are far more significant than they first appear.
When you encounter moments that leave you speechless or deeply moved, consider them invitations to seek understanding. Whether the feeling is one of hope or sober reflection, these instances draw your eyes away from the superficial and toward the profound realities of faith. Let such moments anchor your trust in God’s ultimate truth, even when the path forward seems mysterious.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wonder;1×
- with wonder1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θαῦμα·1×
- θαῦμα1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
Paul uses this term to describe the deceptive power of Satan's disguise, highlighting how appearances can be dangerously misleading.
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Revelation of John 17:6
I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement.
The vision causes John to wonder with great amazement, reflecting a horrified awe at the severity of divine judgment.