Luke 5:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:26 mean?

Luke 5:26 describes how everyone who witnessed Jesus heal the paralyzed man was overwhelmed with amazement and awe, openly praising God and expressing fear, saying they had seen extraordinary things that day. The crowd recognized that something far beyond ordinary experience had just taken place.

In this scene, Luke is narrating the reaction of the people who saw Jesus heal a man who had been lowered through the roof by his friends. The crowd’s response is a mix of wonder, reverence, and even fear, as they realize they have witnessed a powerful act that points to God’s presence. Their words show both their astonishment and their sense that something sacred and mysterious has happened.

The Greek behind Luke 5:26

• The word for "amazed" is ἔκστασις (ekstasis), which often means being beside oneself or utterly astonished. This suggests the crowd was not just impressed but deeply shaken by what they saw.
• The phrase "filled with fear" uses φόβος (phobos), which can mean fear, awe, or reverence. Here, it carries the sense of being overwhelmed by the realization of God’s power at work.
• The phrase "strange things" comes from παράδοξα (paradoxa), meaning things beyond expectation or contrary to normal experience—emphasizing how unusual and miraculous the event was.

Why Luke 5:26 matters

• Luke 5:26 highlights the crowd’s reaction not just as curiosity or excitement, but as a deep recognition of God’s power and presence in Jesus’ actions.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Jesus’ miracles were not just private acts but public signs that stirred awe and reverence among witnesses.
• The use of words for amazement and fear helps clarify that witnessing God’s work can be both thrilling and unsettling, challenging people’s expectations of what is possible.