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G1839 · Greek · New Testament
ἐξίστημι
Existemi
Verb
To amaze, astonish, be beside oneself

Definition

The Greek verb existemi (ἐξίστημι) means to astonish utterly or to be beside oneself. Literally it means to displace from a standing position — to knock someone out of their normal mental equilibrium. It appears 17 times in the New Testament and is consistently the response to Jesus' miracles and the Holy Spirit.

Usage & Theological Significance

Existemi is the vocabulary of theophany. Crowds were astonished at Jesus' teaching and miracles. At Pentecost, the crowds were amazed and perplexed. The disciples were utterly astounded at the feeding of the 5,000. A Christianity that is never astonished has lost contact with the living God — the proper response to divine in-breaking is always existemi.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 2:12
They were all amazed, and glorified God.
Acts 2:7
They were all amazed and marvelled.
Mark 5:42
They were astonished with a great astonishment.
Acts 8:13
Simon wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Luke 2:47
All that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

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