Lexical Summary thaumasios: Wonderful, marvelous Original Word: θαυμάσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wonderful thing, remarkable, admirableFrom thauma; wondrous, i.e. (neuter as noun) a miracle -- wonderful thing. see GREEK thauma HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2297 thaumásios (an adjective) – wonderful, moving a person within (personally) at the sight (which can include the selfish reaction of becoming indignant) (only used in Mt 21;15). See 2296 (thaumázō). [2297 /thaumásios is used in the plural (substantively) in Mt 21:15.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadjective from thauma Definition wonderful NASB Translation wonderful things (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2297: θαυμάσιοςθαυμάσιος, θαυμάσια, θαυμάσιον, rarely of two terminations (θαῦμα) (from Hesiod, Homer (h. Merc. 443) down), wonderful, marvellous; neuter plural θαυμάσια (the Sept. often for נִפְלָאות, also for פֶּלֶא), wonderful deeds, wonders: Matthew 21:15. (Cf. Trench, § xci.; better, Schmidt, chapter 168, 6.) Topical Lexicon Overview The Greek term translated “wonderful things” in Matthew 21:15 gathers the saving acts of God performed by Jesus into a single, awe-evoking description. It speaks of deeds that awaken astonishment, confirm divine authority, and call forth worship. Occurrence in the New Testament Matthew 21:15 is the lone use: “But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things He did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.” Immediate Context in Matthew 21 • Triumphal Entry (21:1-11) – Jesus fulfills Zechariah 9:9. The plural “wonderful things” embraces these events as a unified revelation of messianic authority. Old Testament and Septuagint Background Cognate terms in the Septuagint describe the Exodus plagues (Exodus 7:3), the Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 15:11), and God’s ongoing “wonders” (Psalm 136:4). By applying the same vocabulary to Christ’s works, Matthew equates Jesus’ ministry with Yahweh’s historic acts of redemption. Theological Themes 1. Revelation – Wonders disclose God’s character (John 2:11). Christological Significance Jesus performs the very wonders attributed to God, proving His divine identity. The indignant reaction of the priests prefigures the cross, where the ultimate wonder—resurrection—will overturn their verdict and vindicate the Son. Practical Ministry Applications • Expectant Faith – Approach God believing He still works wonders (Ephesians 3:20). Devotional Insight Meditate on the temple scene: healed beggars walking, children shouting “Hosanna,” and the incarnate King standing amid relieved suffering and overflowing praise. Let such contemplation kindle joyful confidence that the Lord still accomplishes “wonderful things” for those who trust Him. Forms and Transliterations θαυμασια θαυμασία θαυμάσια θαυμάσιά θαυμασίοις θαυμασίων thaumasia thaumásiaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |