ἔκθαμβος
ékthambos
G1569 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Deeply astonished or greatly amazed, overwhelmingly struck with awe or fear; expresses a strong reaction of surprise, wonder, or even alarm, often involving intense emotion or agitation. In some contexts, may convey a sense of being shaken or rendered speechless by a startling event or sight.
Semantic Range
deeply amazed, greatly astounded, overwhelmed with astonishment, struck with awe, rendered speechless or fearful, deeply alarmed
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐκ (out of, from) and θάμβος (amazement, terror, astonishment); the compound indicates being driven into a state of amazement or alarm.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἔκθαμβος is a rare compound adjective, used primarily in post-classical and Koine Greek, notably in the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Mark 9:15, 16:5–6, Luke 24:5). It expresses not mere mild surprise but an overwhelming, often reverential or fearful, astonishment—frequently in response to supernatural encounters or unexpected revelations. Its classical roots (θάμβος) emphasize fear mixed with wonder, and the prefix ἐκ- intensifies this state to one of deep emotional impact. The nuance may include both positive marvel and fear, and thus does not map exactly to modern English 'wonder' or 'astonishment.' Common translations such as 'amazed' or 'greatly alarmed' only approximate the intense and sometimes alarming awe denoted by ἔκθαμβος. In Hellenistic literature, similar compounds suggest a person emotionally overwhelmed to the point of being rendered motionless or at a loss for words.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and θάμβος; utterly astounded:--greatly wondering.
Root Family
ἐκ-, θαμβ- (ékthambos) — to be amazed, to be alarmed, to be struck with awe
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1569-01 |
ἔκθαμβοι | ekthamboi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
amazed | deeply astonished ones | deeply astonished ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1569-01 |
Acts 3:11 | ἔκθαμβοι | ekthamboi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
amazed | deeply astonished ones | deeply astonished ones |