NAS Word Usage – Total: 7

1. any casting down of a thing from its proper place or state, displacement
2. a throwing of the mind out of its normal state, alienation of mind, whether such as makes a lunatic or that of a man who by some sudden emotion is transported as it were out of himself, so that in this rapt condition, although he is awake, his mind is drawn off from all surrounding objects and wholly fixed on things divine that he sees nothing but the forms and images lying within, and thinks that he perceives with his bodily eyes and ears realities shown him by God.
3. amazement, the state of one who, either owing to the importance or the novelty of an event, is thrown into a state of blended fear and wonderment

Etymology and Basic Meaning of “Ekstasis”

Before diving into its biblical context, let’s unpack the word “ekstasis.” The word is derived from Greek, where “ek-” means “out of,” and “stasis” means “standing.” Together, these parts form a word that means “standing outside oneself.” Historically, it was used to describe a state of astonishment or amazement.

“Ekstasis” in the Septuagint

The Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, uses the term “ekstasis” to describe moments of awe and wonder. For instance, in Genesis 2:21, “ekstasis” is used instead of “deep sleep” when God caused Adam to fall into a trance during the creation of Eve. This isn’t just any sleep—it’s a divine, almost supernatural event. Such use gives us a glimpse into how this term reflected powerful spiritual experiences.

“Ekstasis” in the New Testament

The New Testament also captures moments of “ekstasis.” For example, in Acts 10:10, the apostle Peter falls into a trance (ekstasis) and receives a vision from God about clean and unclean animals, which plays a crucial role in opening Christianity to Gentiles. In Acts 22:17, Paul finds himself in a similar trance (ekstasis) inside the temple, where he receives a divine vision.

In both these cases, “ekstasis” encompasses more than just surprise or amazement. It signifies a heightened state of awareness and direct communication with the divine. This transforms “ekstasis” from merely a state of being astonished into an essential component of biblical revelation.

“Ekstasis” and Prophecy

“Ekstasis” also appears in the context of prophecy. Prophets, those charged with delivering God’s message, often experienced states of profound spiritual ecstasy. In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul describes being “caught up to the third heaven”—an out-of-body experience so intense that he is unsure if he was in his body or out of it.

This serves to show that “ekstasis” is often linked to receiving divine knowledge or insight. The same Greek term captures the essence of being ‘outside oneself’ but also deeply connected to God’s will.

“Ekstasis” in Hellenistic Culture vs. Biblical Usage

While “ekstasis” in the broader Hellenistic culture could refer to any awe-inspiring experience, its biblical usage narrows this to experiences tied directly to divine revelation. It’s this link to the divine that sets biblical “ekstasis” apart from more general uses of the term in Greek literature.

Homer and other classical Greek authors used “ekstasis” to describe overwhelming emotions or astonishment. In biblical texts, though, it specifies a divine encounter, often accompanied by visions or revelations from God.

Ekstasis and Modern Interpretations

How do we interpret “ekstasis” today? Many modern scholars and theologians view it as a profound, transformative spiritual experience. In contemporary Christian thought, it could be likened to moments of spiritual awakening, where an individual feels deeply connected to God, receiving wisdom, guidance, or comfort directly from divine sources.

Conclusions

In summary, “ekstasis” in the Greek language carries a rich and nuanced meaning that reaches beyond simple astonishment or surprise. In the context of the Bible, it signifies profound spiritual experiences where individuals encounter the divine in miraculous and transformative ways. These experiences often come with visions or revelations that are pivotal to their spiritual journeys.

Understanding “ekstasis” helps us appreciate the depth and intensity of biblical experiences, shedding new light on how divine encounters were perceived and recorded. So, what does “ekstasis” mean in Greek in the context of the Bible? It is an invitation to step outside oneself and into the extraordinary realm of divine revelation.