[Greek] θαυμάζω (thaumazō), [Latin] mirari, [Latin] timere, [Latin] stupere, [Latin] admirari: to admire, to wonder, to marvel, to amaze, to be surprised, to be astonished; 48 scriptural references
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to wonder, to marvel, to be amazed, to admire, and to be surprised. Miracles and unexpected phenomena (circumstances) evoke astonishment. Astonishment can become the starting point to philosophy. Then wonder ceases as the cause of the phenomena is discovered. On the stage, spectators are often astonished by the performer’s bombast, deceit, and flattery.
Lysias’ Against Simon 3.44: “I wonder most of all at this man’s temperament.”
Euripides’ Medea 268: “I am not surprised that you grieve at what has happened.”
Polybius’ Histories 4.82: “Phillip, marching by way of Tegea arrived at Argos, having gained in this campaign an admiration beyond his years.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 289: “I have been wondering for sometime why he is not there.”
Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 5.2.12: “There are some of them who do not admire you one whit the more for the money you have.”
Euripides’ Alcestis 157: This, of course, the whole city knows, but what she did within the house you will be amazed to hear.”
Old Testament: The motif of amazement is a major recurring theme. This term can pertain to astonishment, moral values, religious values, God’s qualities, miracles, phenomena, and terrors. Admiration is bestowed on the martyrs in the books of Maccabees.
New Testament: This term means to be amazed, to be astounded, to be struck with awe, and to be surprised. In the Synoptic gospels, this term directly relates to miracles. In John’s gospel, this term pertains to the impact made by the works of Jesus. Astonishment can become the starting pointing to faith. Fear and terror are often evoked by one who is not yet a believer. It is interesting to note that surprise can actually further clarify the meaning of amazement. I will provide a few examples.
Lk.1:21: The people were amazed [surprised] that Zechariah remained in the sanctuary so long.
Lk.11:38: The Pharisee was amazed [surprised] that Jesus did not wash His hands.
Jn.7:15: The Jews were amazed [surprised] that Jesus already knew scripture.
Acts 4:13: The Sanhedrin were amazed [surprised] by the boldness of Peter and John.
Col.1:6: Paul was amazed [surprised] that his converts are deserting gospel of Christ.
Mk.15:44: Pilate was amazed [surprised] that Jesus was already dead.
1Jn.3:13: Do not be amazed [surprised] if the world hates you.
Conclusion:
Amaze, amazement, amazing, admire, timid, stupefy, admirable, stupendous, stupid
Yes, it is amazing how God brings people into our lives at the right time. Thank God!
Astonishment may become a starting point to both philosophy and faith.
It is perhaps not surprising –[sorry, couldn’t help myself]– that there are many scriptural references about amazement and astonishment in the New Testament. It seems amazement can cover a broad range of feelings, expressions, and moods.
I think 1Jn.3:13 succinctly says it all about what it means to be a Catholic (or Christian) living in a secular “post-Christian” world, where one’s values are being constantly attacked. No surprise here.
Again, these Greek quotes can aptly apply to the current crisis in Ukraine. Many of us are still completely astounded how could Putin invade Ukraine. The whole world is watching in admiration at how the President Zelenskyy is leading his citizens in Ukraine.
Update: Current events have now created quite surprising and astonishing circumstances:
Negotiating with Iran and Venezuela for oil????
Banning Russian oil/gas
Astronomically rising gasoline prices
More people believing energy security is national security
Boycotting Russian products
More people now favoring U.S. oil/gas exploration and production
The plight of the Ukrainians
Next post: waxing poetic (about what is made and produced)
“To be, or not to be [energy independent]: that is the question;
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous [gas prices]
Or take arms against a sea of [supply chain issues].