ἐκπλήσσω
ekplēssō
be astonished
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō) is a Greek verb that primarily conveys the meaning of being astonished or utterly surprised. It suggests a profound reaction to an event or situation that leaves someone feeling stunned or amazed. This verb appears 13 times in the Bible, which highlights its importance in understanding the emotional and psychological dynamics of the people involved. Analyzing the usage of ἐκπλήσσω, we find that it often conveys a sense of sudden, profound shock, typically in response to divine or supernatural events, such as prophecies, miracles, or visionary encounters. It's frequently associated with individuals who have had an intense spiritual experience, like the apostle Paul and the various prophets in the New Testament. This suggests that this verb is closely tied to the biblical concept of awe and wonder in the face of the divine. The significance of ἐκπλήσσω lies in its portrayal of the human reaction to the extraordinary, revealing the raw emotions and profound effects of experiencing the unknown or the spiritual realm.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences across the text
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
Matthew 13:54Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Matthew 19:25When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
Matthew 22:33When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.
Mark 1:22They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 6:2When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?
Mark 7:37They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!”
Mark 10:26They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?”
Mark 11:18The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
Luke 2:48When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
Luke 4:32and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority.
Luke 9:43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marveling at all the things which Jesus did, he said to his disciples,
Acts 13:12Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.