[Greek] θαυμάζω (thaumazō), [Latin] mirari, [Latin] timere, [Latin] stupere, [Latin] admiri: to admire, to wonder, to marvel, to amaze, to be surprised, to be astonished; Act. 7:31, Mt.9:8, Lk.4:22. Jude 16
Spectators are astonished by the speaker’s bombast, deceit, and flattery
Background Information:
Old Testament: The motif of amazement is a major theme in the Old Testament. There is a large number of unrelated Hebrew terms which denotes to be amazed. This Greek term occurs as a mark of wonder and astonishment in Wisdom literature. The noun form of being amazed appears more frequently than its related verb form.
Hellenism: This term occurs with miracles, epiphanies of gods, and teachings of priests of prophets. Philosophy intersects the subject of amazement. Amazement is seen to be beginning of philosophy. Then wonder ceases as the cause of a phenomenon is discovered. This means to wonder, to marvel, to honor, and to admire. Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 476 states “Hear the rest and you shall wonder the more at the arts and resources I devised.” Sophocles’ Ajax 1093 states “Never again, my fellow Salminians, will I be amazed if some nobody by birth does wrong.” Lysias’ Against Simon 3.44 states “I wonder most of all at this man’s temperament.”
New Testament: In the synoptic gospels, Luke uses themes of amazement to direct the interest of the reader to the significance of the event. Luke also focuses on the attitudes of astonishment from Jesus’s disciples and peers. John focuses on the impact made by the works of Jesus. This is found on the disciples’ misunderstanding of Jesus’ actions and statements.
Scripture:
“People were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth.” Lk.4:22
Jesus was with His kinfolk in Nazareth in the synagogue. They couldn’t believe the eloquent words that had come from Jesus, whom was like them.
“They were unable to trap Him by something He might say before the people, and so amazed were they at His reply that they fell silent.” Lk.20:26
The Jewish leaders sought to trap Jesus in hopes of accusing Him of blasphemy. Instead, Jesus was able to turn the tables on them and stymie their efforts.
“At that moment His disciples returned, and were amazed that He was talking with a woman, but still no one said, ‘What are you looking for?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?'” Jn.4:27
The disciples thought it was improper that a woman approach Jesus. The disciples did not understand that Jesus welcomes everyone to Him.
“These people are complainers, disgruntled ones who live by their desire; their mouths utter bombast as they fawn over people to gain advantage.” Jude 16
This refers to those speakers who flatter others to seek their own advantage. These speakers praise others (admire the face) in an exaggerated or insincere manner. This is reminiscent of those orators who speak words of pseudo wisdom. This was commonly used in the mystery religions.
Conclusion:
Amaze, amazement, amazing, admire, timid, stupefy, admirable
I was surprised (amazed) to discover that the use of being amazed involved far more than just seeing miracles and spectacles. There are many nuances of how being amazed was illustrated by the Gospel writers.