ἐκπλήσσω

I am thunderstruck, astounded

Definition

The verb ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō) describes a state of being utterly amazed, astonished, or overwhelmed, often to the point of being 'thunderstruck.' It conveys a powerful emotional and intellectual reaction, typically to an extraordinary event or teaching. In the Gospels, it most often describes the crowd's reaction to Jesus's authoritative teaching (e.g., Mark 1:22) and miraculous wisdom (e.g., Matthew 13:54), indicating they were 'astounded.' In other instances, it describes the disciples' shock at a difficult teaching, such as the saying about the rich man and the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:25, Mark 10:26), where the sense is more one of being 'dumbfounded' or overwhelmed.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and appears 12 times. Its usage consistently describes the reaction of people—crowds, disciples, or religious leaders—to Jesus. The pattern is clear: it marks moments where Jesus's words or actions defy normal expectations and produce profound wonder. Key examples include the crowd's astonishment at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:28), their amazement at his teaching in the synagogue (Mark 6:2), and the crowd's and chief priests' reaction after the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 22:33, Mark 11:18).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, 'out of') and the root verb πλήσσω (plēssō, 'to strike'). Literally, it means 'to strike out,' implying being struck out of one's normal state of mind. The root πλήσσω is used for physical blows, so ἐκπλήσσω metaphorically means to be mentally or emotionally 'struck' with awe or shock.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the unique authority (ἐξουσία) of Jesus. The consistent use of ἐκπλήσσω underscores that Jesus's teaching was not merely persuasive but inherently powerful, evoking a response of awe that recognized a divine source. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that the crowds' amazement was not casual surprise but a profound recognition of something supernatural breaking into their world, pointing to Jesus's identity.

In a Greco-Roman context, amazement could be a reaction to a philosopher's rhetoric or a miracle-worker's deed. However, in the Jewish setting of the Gospels, being 'thunderstruck' by a teacher often carried messianic overtones, as the people were awaiting a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). Jesus's teaching, coupled with his deeds, provoked this intense reaction because it suggested the arrival of God's promised kingdom and authority.

θαυμάζω (thaumazō, G2296) — a more general term for wonder or marvel, often without the intense, shocking connotation of ἐκπλήσσω. ἐξίστημι (existēmi, G1839) — means to be beside oneself, to be out of one's mind with amazement or fear, sometimes overlapping with ἐκπλήσσω but can imply a more ecstatic or bewildered state.

Word Details

Scripture References