as-ton’-isht, as-ton’-id (shamem, "astonished," the root idea being "silent," i.e. struck dumb with amazement; ekplessomai, "to be struck with astonishment," as if by a blow or a shock; existemi, "to amaze," "to throw into wonderment"; thambeomai, "to astonish" to the point of fright): The state of being surprised, startled, stunned by some exceptional wonder, some overwhelming event or miracle, as e.g. Nebuchadnezzar’s amazement at the miracle in the burning fiery furnace (Da 3:24) (tewah, "astonished"); of the passer-by at the desolation of Babylon (Jer 50:13). The personality, teaching and works of Jesus were so wonderful, Divine, supernatural, as to awaken emotions of surprise and awe never before known in the presence of man.

The people "were astonished out of measure" at His doctrine (Mr 10:26 the King James Version); "astonished with a great astonishment" at His raising the dead (Mr 5:42 the King James Version). The gift of the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles was in like manner a source of astonishment to those Jews who believed through the power of Peter’s preaching (Ac 10:45 the King James Version). The miracle of regeneration today, which renews and transforms debased and fallen men into saints, makes the same impression on an observing world.

Dwight M. Pratt