Lexical Summary ekthambos: Astonished, amazed, greatly alarmed Original Word: ἐκθαμβός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance greatly wondering, astonishedFrom ek and thambos; utterly astounded -- greatly wondering. see GREEK ek see GREEK thambos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1569 ékthambos – utterly astonished, stressing the impact on the viewer in a powerful, personal way (used only in Ac 3:11). See 1568 (ekthambeō). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1569: ἔκθαμβοςἔκθαμβος, ἔκθαμβον (θάμβος, cf. ἔκφοβος), quite astonished, amazed: Acts 3:11. (Polybius 20, 10, 9. Ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings; terrifying, dreadful, Daniel 12:7 Theod..) STRONGS NT 1569a: ἐκθαυμάζωἐκθαυμάζω: (imperfect ἐξεθαύμαζον); to wonder or marvel greatly (see ἐκ, VI. 6): ἐπί τίνι, at one, Mark 12:17 T WH. (Sir. 27:23 Sir. 43:18; Dionysius Halicarnassus, Longinus, others.) The adjective ἔκθαμβος (ekthambos) depicts a visceral reaction of awe that overwhelms the senses when people encounter the living God at work. It conveys more than curiosity; it is the stunned awareness that the human realm has been interrupted by heaven’s authority. The Single New Testament Occurrence Acts 3:11 records the immediate aftermath of the healing of the man lame from birth: “While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the portico called Solomon’s”. Luke’s use of ἔκθαμβοι highlights three realities: 1. The miracle was undeniable; the healed man stood as living evidence. Awe as a Divine Catalyst Scripture often pairs amazement with revelation (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 65:8; Luke 5:26). In Acts 3, astonishment functions as a catalyst that moves the crowd from spectacle to sermon. Peter redirects their wonder, insisting that the miracle exalts “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers” (Acts 3:13), displaying the continuity of God’s covenant faithfulness. Historical Significance in Acts This episode occurs at the temple, the heart of Jewish worship. By manifesting Christ’s healing power in Solomon’s Portico—the very precinct where Jesus Himself had once taught (John 10:23)—the risen Lord validates His messianic identity before Israel’s gathered pilgrims. The crowd’s amazement therefore bridges Jesus’ earthly ministry and the church’s Spirit-empowered witness. Ministry Implications 1. Expectation of Manifest Power. The church today proclaims a Savior who remains able to astonish (Hebrews 13:8). Old Testament Roots of Holy Astonishment Moses trembled at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6). Israel feared exceedingly at Sinai (Exodus 20:18-21). These narratives foreshadow the temple-crowd’s reaction in Acts 3 and affirm that true encounters with God consistently evoke profound awe. Christ-Centered Fulfillment The healed beggar’s restored legs echo prophetic promises that “the lame will leap like a deer” (Isaiah 35:6). The crowd’s astonishment therefore testifies that messianic times have dawned through Jesus Christ, fulfilling and surpassing earlier revelations. Personal Application Believers are summoned to cultivate a heart that remains “astonished” at the grace of God (Romans 11:33-36). Such reverent wonder fuels worship, deepens humility, and propels evangelism. Summary Ἔκθαμβος portrays a moment when human faculties are overpowered by divine reality. Its lone appearance in Acts 3:11 crystallizes the New Testament pattern: God acts, people are astonished, and the gospel is proclaimed. The church is called to steward that same holy amazement for the glory of Jesus Christ. |
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