θαμβέω (G2284) — Greek Lexicon

θαμβέω

thambéō

G2284 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be struck with intense surprise or shock, to be amazed or astounded so as to be temporarily overcome; can imply a physical or emotional stupefaction resulting from something extraordinary or unexpected. The term indicates both the experience and expression of sudden bewilderment or wonder, sometimes bordering on awe or fear depending on context.

Semantic Range

to be astonished, to be amazed, to be stupefied, to be struck with awe, to be shocked, to be overwhelmed with wonder

Root / Etymology

From the noun θάμβος (thambos), meaning 'astonishment' or 'amazement.' Formed with the verb ending -έω, creating a denominative verb from the noun. Ultimately of pre-Greek or uncertain Indo-European origin.

Historical & Contextual Notes

θαμβέω appears rarely in classical Greek, where it denotes a reaction of shock or amazement in the face of something remarkable, such as divine intervention or extraordinary events. In the Septuagint and other Koine Greek literature, the verb typically describes the response of individuals to supernatural occurrences or powerful experiences, often linked with fear or reverential awe as well as astonishment. In the New Testament, it is used to capture occasions of overwhelming surprise, such as reactions to miraculous deeds performed by or associated with Jesus. Standard English translations like 'amaze' or 'astonish' often soften the force of the term, which in Greek may include a connotation of being struck dumb or rendered momentarily paralyzed by an event. The verb is closely related semantically to ἐκθαμβέω but may carry less of the nuance of terror or overwhelming fear found in the more emphatic forms.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from θάμβος; to stupefy (with surprise), i.e. astound:--amaze, astonish.

Root Family

θαμβ- (ekthambéō) — to be astonished, to be astounded, to be overwhelmed

Root θαμβ- to be amazed, to be astounded, to be struck with shock or wonder

Strong's	Lemma	SIBI-P1
G1568	ἐκθαμβέω	to be utterly astonished

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2284-02`	ἐθαμβοῦντο	ethambounto	`V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL`	they were amazed	they were being astounded	they were astonished	2
`G2284-01`	ἐθαμβήθησαν	ethambethesan	`V AOR PASS IND 3P PL`	they were all amazed	they were astounded	they were astounded	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2284-01`	Mark 1:27	ἐθαμβήθησαν	ethambethesan	`V AOR PASS IND 3P PL`	they were all amazed	they were astounded	they were astounded
`G2284-02`	Mark 10:24	ἐθαμβοῦντο	ethambounto	`V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL`	were-astonished	they were being astounded	were astounded
`G2284-02`	Mark 10:32	ἐθαμβοῦντο	ethambounto	`V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL`	they were amazed	they were being astounded	they were astonished

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