The Greek verb ekplesso (from ek, 'out,' + plesso, 'to strike') literally means to be struck out of one's senses — to be stunned with amazement. It is one of the strongest words for astonishment in the New Testament and consistently describes the crowd's reaction to Jesus's teaching and works.
The repeated use of ekplesso in the Gospel narratives is theologically significant. After the Sermon on the Mount: 'the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority' (Matthew 7:28–29). After teaching in his hometown, people were astonished but took offense (Mark 6:2). The astonishment of the disciples at Jesus's teaching about riches: 'they were exceedingly astonished' (Mark 10:26). Ekplesso marks the moment of confrontation with something beyond ordinary human expectation — the intrusion of divine authority and power into the ordinary. It is the appropriate initial response to revelation.