θαυμάζω (thaumazō)
thaumazō
to marvel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 44 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thaumazō describes a reaction of deep wonder or astonishment, often carrying a tone of disbelief. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts to capture how people respond to Jesus’ authority and miracles. For instance, the centurion’s faith leaves Jesus marveling at its size (Matthew 8:10), while the disciples are amazed by His power over nature (Mark 6:51). The word conveys more than simple curiosity; it suggests a mind overwhelmed by something extraordinary.
Its usage often involves specific prepositions that shape the nuance of the reaction. Jesus marvels "because of" unbelief in Mark 6:6, highlighting a contrast between expectation and reality. In John 3:7, He tells Nicodemus to marvel that he must be born again, using the term to signal a spiritual truth that defies human logic. This usage aligns with its root meaning related to "thauma," or wonder, emphasizing a cognitive shift triggered by the unexpected.
Translators typically render thaumazō as "marvel" or "wonder," though the English terms can sometimes feel passive. The Greek verb implies an active internal response to divine action. In Revelation 17:7, the angel commands John to marvel at the mystery of the woman on the beast, framing the reaction as a necessary engagement with profound spiritual reality rather than mere surprise.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter something that defies our normal expectations, our natural reaction is often one of surprise. The Greek word thaumazō captures this moment of deep wonder, where the mind struggles to process what it has just witnessed. In the Gospels, this reaction frequently appears when people see Jesus heal the sick or calm the storms. It is not merely a passing curiosity but a profound recognition that something extraordinary is happening right before their eyes.
This sense of awe invites us to look beyond the surface of our daily lives. Just as the disciples were amazed by Jesus’ power over nature, we are invited to marvel at the ways God works in our own circumstances. It challenges us to remain open to the unexpected, recognizing that divine action often breaks through our routine in surprising ways.
Ultimately, this word points us toward a faith that is alive and responsive. When we stand in awe of who Jesus is, our hearts shift from skepticism to trust. This wonder is not a sign of weakness but a healthy response to the reality of God’s presence. It reminds us that we serve a Lord whose ways are higher than our own, calling us to rest in His mysterious and powerful love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- marveled7×
- they marveled3×
- to amaze2×
- you marvel.1×
- wondering at1×
- wondering1×
- wondered1×
- wonder you1×
- will be astonished1×
- were marveling;1×
- were marveling.1×
- were marveling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐθαύμασαν7×
- ἐθαύμαζον5×
- ἐθαύμασεν4×
- ἐθαύμαζεν2×
- θαυμάζοντες2×
- θαυμάζετε2×
- θαυμάζειν2×
- θαυμαζόντων2×
- ἐθαύμασας;1×
- ἐθαύμασαν,1×
- ἐθαύμασα1×
- ἐθαύμαζον·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 8:10
When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a faith, not even in Israel.
Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, highlighting that genuine trust can exceed even the expectations of those who have known Him longest.
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Mark 6:51
He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;
The disciples marvel after Jesus calms the storm, revealing their struggle to reconcile His divine authority with their human fears.
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Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.”
Jesus expresses wonder at the centurion’s understanding of authority, contrasting it with the lack of faith found within Israel itself.
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Luke 24:41
While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
The disciples wonder with a mix of joy and disbelief after the resurrection, showing how physical evidence helps bridge the gap between doubt and belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does thaumazō mean in the New Testament?
How is thaumazō different from simple surprise?
Why did Jesus marvel in Matthew 8:10?
Does thaumazō always have a positive meaning?
Every Occurrence (44 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 7 verses
When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…
Matthew 8:27The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Matthew 9:33When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen…
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…
Matthew 21:20When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?”
Matthew 22:22When they heard it, they marveled, and left him and went away.
Matthew 27:14He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.