"pr. to strike out of; hence, to strike out of one’s wits, to astound, amaze; pass., overwhelmed, Mt. 7:28; 13:54"
Definition and meaning
pr. to strike out of; hence, to strike out of one’s wits, to astound, amaze; pass., overwhelmed, Mt. 7:28; 13:54
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐκπλήσσω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of ekplesso (G1605) across the King James Bible.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
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Common questions
Strong's G1605 (ekplesso) is a Greek word that means: pr. to strike out of; hence, to strike out of one’s wits, to astound, amaze; pass., overwhelmed, Mt. 7:28; 13:54 It appears 13 times in the King James Bible.
The word ekplesso (G1605) appears 13 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1605 is ekplesso, a Greek word defined as: pr. to strike out of; hence, to strike out of one’s wits, to astound, amaze; pass., overwhelmed, Mt. 7:28; 13:54. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
ekplesso is a Greek word found in the New Testament.