The meaning of the word “marvel” in the Bible
The word “marvel” appears many times throughout the Bible, especially in the King James Version. It can have slightly different meanings depending on the context, but generally refers to something that evokes awe, wonder, and amazement. Let’s explore some of the key ways this word is used in Scripture:
Something Supernatural or Miraculous
Perhaps the most common usage of “marvel” in the Bible is in reference to miracles, signs, wonders, and other supernatural acts of God. When Jesus turned water into wine, the guests at the wedding feast “marveled” at this remarkable miracle (John 2:9). When Jesus healed the paralytic, the crowds “marveled” at his authority and power (Matthew 9:8). Marvel expresses the awe people felt when witnessing Jesus exercise his divine nature through miraculous deeds.
Something Mysterious or Perplexing
“Marvel” is also used to describe something mysterious, difficult to understand, or causing wonder and puzzlement. King Nebuchadnezzar had a perplexing dream that left his mind greatly “troubled” and him in great “wonder” (Daniel 4:5). Jesus told Nicodemus not to “marvel” that he said people must be born again (John 3:7). This reflects Nicodemus’ confusion and difficulty grasping Jesus’ teaching. The resurrection was a source of marvel for those trying to make sense of the empty tomb (Mark 16:8). So “marvel” covers that sense of wonderment and mystery.
Something Impressive or Significant
The word “marvel” can also indicate something particularly impressive or significant that captures attention and imagination. After Jesus cursed the fig tree, the disciples “marveled” at how quickly it withered (Mark 11:20). They found this display of Jesus’ authority remarkable and astonishing. When the boy Jesus stayed behind at the temple, his parents were “amazed” when they found him interacting with the teachers (Luke 2:48). His wisdom and understanding were impressive beyond his years. So “marvel” marks those noteworthy moments that stick out as exceptional.
A Strong Emotional Response
Related to the above, “marvel” can reflect a strong emotional response like amazement, shock, or fear. When the disciples saw Jesus walk on water, they cried out “in fear and amazement” (Mark 6:51). After Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, the parents were immediately “overcome with amazement” (Mark 5:42). A paralyzed man “glorified God” when he was healed, filled with marvel (Mark 2:12). So the word points to strong emotions of awe and wonder evoked by God’s works.
God Doing Something Unexpected
At times in Scripture, people marvel when God does something they did not anticipate or think possible. When John the Baptist was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age, “they marveled” at this unexpected blessing (Luke 1:63). Jesus said those who are resurrected in the age to come “neither marry or are given in marriage,” and his listeners found this teaching hard and unexpected, even marvelous (Mark 12:18-27). So “marvel” covers pleasant surprises and divine actions beyond human imagination.
A Lack of Faith
Though typically positive, “marvel” can also reflect a lack of faith in Scripture. Jesus rebuked his disciples for marveling when he calmed the storm, suggesting little faith in his authority (Matthew 8:26-27). He also corrected them for marveling at the withered fig tree, again pointing to weak faith and trust in God (Mark 11:20-25). So at times “marvel” is used as a negative response indicating doubt, not wonder. However, more often it’s used positively.
In summary, the biblical meaning of the word “marvel” generally conveys a sense of awe, amazement, wonder, and disbelief – usually associated with God’s miraculous works, divine nature, and unexpected actions. It marks extraordinary events and stirs up strong emotions of surprise, fear, astonishment, and joy in those who witness God’s remarkable interventions. While sometimes expressing doubt, more often it reflects human wonder and imagination captured by the marvelous works of God.
Key Bible Verses Using “Marvel”
Here are some notable verses that use the word “marvel” to illustrate its biblical meaning and usage:
“And many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?” (Mark 6:2)
“They were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”” (Mark 2:12)
“And the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matthew 7:28-29)
“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3)
“And he said to them, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:7)
“David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.” (Mark 12:37)
“And Jesus looking at them said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”” (Mark 10:27)
“Jacob marveled that He had spoken with him.” (Genesis 32:30 NASB)
“These miraculous signs astonished everyone.” (Acts 2:43 NLT)
“His parents were shocked when they realized it was him.” (Luke 2:48 CSB)
In these verses we see “marvel” expressing wonder at Jesus’ authority, miracles, wisdom, and teachings. We see marvel at God’s power to do the impossible and God speaking directly to people. And we see marvel as a reaction to wondrous works from God, including signs, dreams, prophetic fulfillment, and more. This helps demonstrate the diversity of contexts where this word appears relating to God’s supernatural acts.
Key People Who Marvel in the Bible
Looking at key biblical figures who responded with marvel provides further insight into this word:
The Magi: These wise men from the east “marveled exceedingly with great astonishment” when the star led them to the prophesied Messiah. (Matthew 2:10-11)
Zechariah: The priest was startled and “overwhelmed with fear” when the angel Gabriel told him his barren, elderly wife would bear a son (Luke 1:12, 18)
The Disciples: Jesus’ followers frequently “marveled” at his miracles, teachings, insight, and fulfillment of prophecy. (Luke 9:43, Mark 6:51, Mark 12:17)
The Crowds: The multitudes following Jesus were often “astonished” by his authoritative words and wondrous works that surpassed earthly expectations. (Matthew 7:28, Matthew 9:33)
Pilate’s Wife: She had a dream about Jesus that caused her great distress and left her “marveling at what had happened.” (Matthew 27:19)
Saul (Paul): Though initially a persecutor, Saul was left blinded and amazed when Jesus appeared to him in a brilliant vision on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:3-9)
These examples show both men and women, rulers and commoners, Jews and Gentiles responding with marvel when intersecting with Jesus’ ministry and experiencing the supernatural. Their marvel reflects the remarkable, faith-building impact of witnessing the acts of God firsthand.
The Significance of Marvel in the Bible
What are some key reasons this word “marvel” is significant and worth understanding in Scripture? Here are some of its most important meanings and functions:
1. It reveals the miraculous power of God. The supernatural deeds of Jesus provoke marvel because they demonstrate divine power and authority over nature, illness, death, and more.
2. It expresses the wonder of God’s interventions. From prophetic dreams to angelic visitations, God’s direct involvement in human affairs provokes marvel and awe.
3. It shows God transcends human understanding. His shocking words and unexpected actions surpass earthly knowledge, causing people to marvel.
4. It highlights the imagination-stretching impact of Scripture stories. Reading of talking donkeys, resurrections, and miracles should stir up marvel and wonder.
5. It depicts an appropriate response to God’s presence and works. Marvel, awe, and fear are natural reactions to direct encounters with the divine.
6. It shows people transformed by spiritual experiences. Those who marvel become more faithful, devoted, and willing to follow Christ.
7. It emphasizes emotions involved in true worship. Genuine praise combines deep gladness, joy, marvel, awe, fear, and reverence.
8. It reveals the faith-building power of witnessing God. Observing His wonders firsthand increases faith and trust in divine providence.
9. It contrasts human weakness with divine strength. People marvel when God does easily what is impossible for man.
10. It expresses the hope of future glory. God’s past wonders give a foretaste of the future marvels of eternity in His direct presence.
So this important biblical word opens up deeper understanding of God’s miraculous works, humanity’s reaction to the divine, and the transformative power of spiritual encounters and experiences. Marvel is a recurring thread throughout Scripture that draws attention to the awesome nature and deeds of God.
Marvel as Part of a Life of Faith
In conclusion, Scripture urges believers to retain a sense of marvel, wonder, and childlike faith. Jesus said the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach it with wide-eyed amazement like children (Luke 18:17). He told His followers to believe, pray, and forgive with faith, without doubting or marveling (Mark 11:22-25). So Christians are called to approach life with anticipation, confidently expectant that God can continue to do the unexpected and miraculous.
Experiencing the marvels recorded in the Bible – whether firsthand or by reading eyewitness testimony – is intended to build faithful trust in God. Marvel moves us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to rely more on divine power and less on human understanding. It draws us toward worship and obedience. So by God’s grace, may familiarity with the Bible’s marvels inspire fresh wonder at who God is and what He can do. May we exclaim with the psalmist, “Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14). For there is always more to marvel at when we walk by faith in our awesome, unlimited God.