In the Bible, “wondrous” refers to something that is extraordinary or miraculous, often associated with God’s powerful acts or creations. It conveys a sense of awe and reverence for the divine, as seen in passages like Psalm 139:14, where the marvel of creation is celebrated.
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5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
“Wondrous” in the Bible: Meaning Explained
The term “wondrous” in the Bible encapsulates a deep sense of awe-inspiring divinity and miraculous acts that transcend human understanding. It is often used to describe God’s works, creations, and character, inviting believers to perceive His supernatural abilities and the beauty of His designs. Psalm 78:32-32 illustrates this as it recounts God’s powerful deeds during the Exodus: “In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of His wonders, they did not believe.” Here, “wonders” denotes the extraordinary manifestations of God’s power—miracles that call for recognition, faith, and obedience. Such instances accentuate the significance of God’s involvement in human history and personal lives, urging believers to respond with trust and reverence.
Moreover, the use of “wondrous” is not limited to historical events but also pervades spiritual experiences and personal transformations. For example, in Isaiah 9:6, the coming Messiah is referred to as “Wonderful Counselor,” highlighting the miraculous wisdom and guidance He provides. This underscores the idea that the “wondrous” extends beyond physical manifestations of power to include profound spiritual truths and transformative guidance in the believer’s life. The recurring theme of wonder in the biblical narrative serves to evoke worship and inspires believers to recognize God’s continual presence and intervention in their lives, inviting them into a deeper relationship with the divine.
In addition to the manifestations of God’s power, the term “wondrous” often conveys a sense of divine creativity that permeates the biblical text. Throughout the scriptures, descriptions of creation reflect the magnificence and artistry of God’s work, where the natural world itself becomes a testament to His character. For example, the beauty of the heavens, the intricacies of living creatures, and the delicate balance of ecosystems are all considered wondrous expressions of God’s design. These elements remind believers of His limitless creativity, prompting them to celebrate creation as a reflection of His glory and righteousness. The Psalms frequently illustrate this theme; for instance, in Psalm 139:14, the psalmist declares, “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” emphasizing the intimate and extraordinary relationship between Creator and creation.
Furthermore, the concept of “wondrous” resonates profoundly in the prophetic texts, where it is often associated with hope and promise. Many prophets spoke of times when God would intervene on behalf of His people, performing wonders to redeem them and restore their fortunes. This anticipation of divine action fosters a spirit of expectation within the faithful, as they await God’s wondrous deeds in their lives and communities. For example, references to God’s ‘wondrous deeds’ often encompass themes of salvation, mercy, and justice, symbolizing His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This idea not only enhances the faithful’s trust in God’s plans but also serves as a reminder of His unchanging nature, inspiring them to expect—and witness—His active involvement in their lives. The “wondrous” thus becomes a linchpin in understanding God’s relationship with humanity, encompassing everything from creation and personal identity to prophetic hope and divine intervention.
Divine Marvels and Miracles
In the Bible, the term “wondrous” often refers to the miraculous acts of God that reveal His power and majesty. These acts serve as signs of His presence and authority, demonstrating that He is capable of performing what is beyond human understanding. The wondrous works of God, such as creation, miracles of healing, and acts of deliverance, invite believers to recognize His sovereignty and to respond with awe and reverence.
The Call to Awe and Worship
“Wondrous” also conveys a sense of awe that is meant to inspire worship and reverence among believers. When God’s attributes and actions are described as wondrous, it emphasizes the need for humans to acknowledge their limitations and the greatness of God. This sense of wonder encourages a posture of humility and gratitude, prompting individuals to worship and glorify God for His unfathomable wisdom and love.
The Promise of Redemption
Additionally, the concept of “wondrous” is often associated with the promises of redemption and salvation. Throughout the biblical narrative, God’s plan for humanity is depicted as a wondrous act of grace, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This wondrous plan not only highlights God’s love and mercy but also assures believers of hope and transformation, inviting them to partake in the divine nature and experience the fullness of life in Him.
How to Embrace Faith and Live Miraculously as a Christian
Embracing faith and living miraculously as a Christian begins with a heart open to God’s transformative power. It’s about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer, scripture, and community. Start each day by inviting God into your plans and decisions, trusting that He has a purpose for you that goes beyond the ordinary. As you immerse yourself in His Word, you’ll discover stories of miracles that inspire you to believe in the impossible. Remember, faith is not just about believing in what you can see; it’s about trusting in God’s promises even when circumstances seem bleak. Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, and don’t shy away from acts of service that reflect Christ’s love. Miraculous living often springs from the small, faithful choices we make daily, so be bold in your faith, and watch how God can use you to impact the world around you in extraordinary ways.
Bible References to the Meaning of Wondrous:
Psalm 78:12-16: 12 In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap.
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
Psalm 86:8-13: 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Psalm 96:1-6: 1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Psalm 105:1-5: 1 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
Psalm 119:18-24: 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me their scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalm 145:1-7: 1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Isaiah 25:1-5: 1 O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
2 For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the foreigners’ palace is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.
3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you;
cities of ruthless nations will fear you.
4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,
5 And he will swallow up on this mountain
the covering that is cast over all peoples,
the veil that is spread over all nations.
Isaiah 29:13-14: 13 And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
14 therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”
Daniel 4:2-3: 2 I am pleased to tell you about the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.
3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.
Joel 2:26-27: 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
Micah 7:14-15: 14 Shepherd your people with your staff,
the flock of your inheritance,
who dwell alone in a forest
in the midst of a garden land;
let them graze in Bashan and Gilead
as in the days of old.
15 As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things.
Matthew 21:14-16: 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant,
16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”
Mark 5:18-20: 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him.
19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Luke 5:25-26: 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.
26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
Acts 2:19-21: 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 11:33-36: 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.