2285. thambos

Lexicon

thambos: Astonishment, amazement, wonder

Original Word: θάμβος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: thambos
Pronunciation: THAM-bos
Phonetic Spelling: (tham'-bos)
Definition: Astonishment, amazement, wonder
Meaning: astonishment, amazement (allied to terror or awe).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

amazed, astonished, wonder.

Akin to an obsolete tapho (to dumbfound); stupefaction (by surprise), i.e. Astonishment -- X amazed, + astonished, wonder.

HELPS Word-studies

2285 thámbos (J. Thayer traces this term back to a Sanskrit root meaning "make immoveable") – properly, utter amazement (with a sense of wonder), referring to someone who becomes stunned (dumbfounded) at what they see or hear; a state of amazement "due to the suddenness and unusualness of the phenomenon – with either a positive or a negative reaction . . . " (L & N, 1, 25.208).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from a prim. root thaph-
Definition
amazement
NASB Translation
amazement (2), wonder (1).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb θαμβέω (thambeo), meaning "to astonish" or "to amaze."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for θάμβος, similar concepts of awe and wonder can be found in Hebrew words such as יִרְאָה (yirah, Strong's H3374), which denotes fear or reverence, often in the context of encountering the divine. Another related term is תַּמָּה (tammah, Strong's H8539), which can mean to be astounded or amazed. These Hebrew terms capture the sense of reverence and astonishment that θάμβος conveys in the Greek New Testament context.

Usage: The term θάμβος is used in the New Testament to describe the reaction of individuals who witness miraculous events or hear profound teachings. It captures the emotional and cognitive response of being deeply impressed or bewildered.

Context: In the New Testament, θάμβος is employed to depict the profound impact of Jesus' miracles and teachings on those who witnessed them. This term is used to describe the reaction of the people who were present at significant events, such as the healing of the sick or the casting out of demons. The use of θάμβος highlights the divine authority and power of Jesus, which often left the onlookers in a state of awe and wonder.

For instance, in Luke 5:9, the term is used to describe the reaction of Simon Peter and his companions after the miraculous catch of fish: "For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken." This passage illustrates how θάμβος encapsulates the overwhelming sense of wonder and recognition of divine intervention.

The use of θάμβος in the New Testament serves to underscore the extraordinary nature of Jesus' ministry and the profound effect it had on those who encountered it. It reflects the transformative power of divine encounters, which often led to a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of God's presence and work in the world.

Forms and Transliterations

θάμβει θάμβοι θαμβος θάμβος θαμβους θάμβους thambos thámbos thambous thámbous

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 4:36 N-NNS
GRK: καὶ ἐγένετο θάμβος ἐπὶ πάντας
NAS: And amazement came upon them all,
KJV: they were all amazed, and spake
INT: And came astonishment upon all

Luke 5:9 N-NNS
GRK: θάμβος γὰρ περιέσχεν
NAS: For amazement had seized him and all
INT: amazement indeed laid hold on

Acts 3:10 N-GNS
GRK: καὶ ἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως
NAS: and they were filled with wonder and amazement
KJV: they were filled with wonder and
INT: and they were filled with wonder and amazement

Strong's Greek 2285
3 Occurrences

θάμβος — 2 Occ.
θάμβους — 1 Occ.