Lexical Summary thaumastos: Wonderful, marvelous, astonishing Original Word: θαυμαστός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance marvelous. From thaumazo; wondered at, i.e. (by implication) wonderful -- marvel(-lous). see GREEK thaumazo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2298 thaumastós – marvelous, describing an awe-evoking sight (dramatic sense of wonder), moving the beholder to their deepest emotions. See 2296 (thaumázō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom thaumazó Definition wonderful NASB Translation amazing thing (1), marvelous (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2298: θαυμαστόςθαυμαστός, θαυμαστή, θαυμαστόν (θαυμάζω), in Greek writings from (Homer (h. Cer. etc.)), Herodotus, Pindar down; (interchanged in Greek writings with θαυμάσιος, cf. Lob. Path. Elem. 2:341); wonderful, marvellous; i. e., a. worthy of pious admiration, admirable, excellent: 1 Peter 2:9 (Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 36, 2 [ET]; for אַדִּיר, Psalm 8:2; Psalm 92:4 b. passing human comprehension: Matthew 21:42 and Mark 12:11, (from Psalm 117:22 ff ( c. causing amazement joined with terror: Revelation 15:1, 3, (so for נורָא, Exodus 15:11, etc.). d. marvellous i. e. extraordinary, striking, surprising: 2 Corinthians 11:14 R G (see θαῦμα, 1); John 9:30. Strong’s Greek 2298, thaumastós, conveys the sense of something that elicits awe, wonder, and reverent amazement. In Scripture it is reserved exclusively for works, acts, or realities that flow from God’s sovereign initiative and thus call forth worship, obedience, and proclamation. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 21:42 – Jesus cites Psalm 118, declaring that the rejected stone has become “the cornerstone; this was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Old Testament Background Thaumastós often translates Hebrew niphlāʾ or pālāʾ in the Septuagint (e.g., Psalm 118:23; Exodus 15:11). These roots describe deeds that surpass human ability and manifest the covenant-keeping character of Yahweh. The New Testament usage therefore stands in conscious continuity with Israel’s worship vocabulary, transferring the same reverence to the person and works of Jesus Christ. Key Theological Themes Marvel of Redemptive Reversal Matthew 21:42 and Mark 12:11 show that God overturns human rejection and installs the crucified and risen Christ as the cornerstone. What is “marvelous” is not merely the unexpected outcome but the revelation of God’s wisdom and grace in salvation history. Marvel of Divine Illumination In 1 Peter 2:9 “marvelous light” contrasts with humanity’s native darkness. Salvation is depicted as a rescue into a realm characterized by God’s own glory, compelling believers to declare His praises. Marvel of Eschatological Triumph Revelation 15 frames thaumastós within the final victory over evil. The term bookends the vision (verses 1 and 3), emphasizing that both the judgments of God and the worship they inspire are awe-provoking and righteous. Christological Significance Jesus Himself is the supreme embodiment of the “marvelous.” His messianic miracles (John 9:30), His role as cornerstone, and His ultimate victory over sin and death fulfill and surpass the Old Testament expectation of wondrous acts. The title invites contemplation of the paradox that the suffering Servant is simultaneously the object of cosmic wonder. Practical Ministry Implications Doctrinal Instruction Teaching on thaumastós reinforces the doctrine of divine transcendence and immanence: God’s works are astonishing yet intimately directed toward His people’s redemption. Worship and Liturgy Revelation 15:3 furnishes material for corporate praise, modeling a doxology that declares both greatness and marvel. Worship leaders can draw on this text to shape congregational awe. Evangelism and Testimony Like the man born blind, believers are equipped to witness to God’s “marvelous” interventions in their lives, presenting the gospel not as abstract theory but as living experience. Pastoral Encouragement Suffering congregations are reminded that God’s plans, though often hidden, will ultimately be revealed as marvelous. This fosters perseverance and hope. Historical Notes Early Christian hymns and patristic writings echo the language of thaumastós, especially in Paschal liturgies celebrating the resurrection as the climactic “marvel” of God. Reformers likewise appealed to Psalm 118:23 when emphasizing salvation by grace alone, highlighting the wonder of divine favor despite human unworthiness. Conclusion Thaumastós functions as a verbal spotlight, directing attention to the extraordinary acts of the triune God in creation, redemption, and consummation. Its six New Testament occurrences trace a line from the inauguration of the kingdom in Christ’s ministry to the final chorus of heaven, compelling every generation of believers to respond with reverent wonder, joyful proclamation, and steadfast hope. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:42 Adj-NFSGRK: καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς NAS: ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES'? KJV: and it is marvellous in our INT: and it is marvelous in [the] eyes Mark 12:11 Adj-NFS John 9:30 Adj-NNS 1 Peter 2:9 Adj-ANS Revelation 15:1 Adj-ANS Revelation 15:3 Adj-NNP Strong's Greek 2298 |
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