1171. deinós

Lexical Summary

deinós: Terrible, dreadful, formidable

Original Word: δεινός
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: deinós
Pronunciation: day-NOS
Phonetic Spelling: (di-noce')
KJV: grievously, vehemently
NASB: business, fearfully, very
Word Origin: [adverb from a derivative of deos (dread)]

1. terribly, i.e. excessively

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

grievously, vehemently.

Adverb from a derivative of the same as deilos; terribly, i.e. Excessively -- grievously, vehemently.

see GREEK deilos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as deilos
Definition
terribly, vehemently
NASB Translation
business (1), fearfully (1), very (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1171: δεινῶς

δεινῶς, adverb (δεινός), terribly, grievously: Matthew 8:6; Luke 11:53. (From Herodotus down.)

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Nuance

The adverb δεινῶς conveys an intensified state of severity or extremity. Whether describing bodily suffering, emotional anguish, or hostile opposition, it heightens the sense of dread, urgency, or ferocity present in a scene. Its rarity in the New Testament (only two occurrences) draws attention to moments of extraordinary seriousness requiring the reader’s careful reflection.

Occurrences and Contexts

1. Matthew 8:6 – A Roman centurion pleads, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.” The term underscores the depth of the servant’s torment and amplifies the compassion that compels the centurion to seek Jesus.
2. Luke 11:53 – Following Jesus’ condemnation of hypocritical religiosity, “the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him fiercely and to besiege Him with questions.” Here δεινῶς marks a decisive escalation in hostility, highlighting the spiritual conflict that will culminate in the passion.

Thematic Significance

• Compassion of Christ: In Matthew, the word frames Jesus’ authority over physical suffering. The extremity of the servant’s pain magnifies the mercy and immediacy of Christ’s healing response, reinforcing His role as the compassionate Shepherd who is sensitive to even the most desperate plight.
• Intensified Opposition: In Luke, δεινῶς exposes the growing antagonism of religious leaders against Jesus’ life-giving message. Their “fierce” resistance foreshadows the climactic rejection at the cross and warns disciples that fidelity to truth invites severe opposition.
• Human Helplessness and Divine Sufficiency: Whether pain or persecution, the term directs attention to situations beyond human remedy, prompting reliance on the Savior whose power eclipses every “terrible” circumstance.

Historical and Theological Commentary

In first-century Greco-Roman culture, δεινῶς could describe grave military threats or overwhelming natural disasters. The New Testament writers repurpose that cultural vocabulary to depict crises in which divine intervention is decisive. Matthew presents a Gentile officer trusting Israel’s Messiah; Luke records covenant insiders resisting their own Redeemer. Together the passages illustrate that extreme need, not ethnic status, is what drives people either to humble faith or hardened rebellion.

Practical and Homiletic Applications

• Pastoral Care: Matthew 8:6 encourages believers to intercede passionately for those in acute distress, confident that Christ still responds to “terrible agony” with sovereign grace.
• Spiritual Warfare: Luke 11:53 alerts churches to the reality that proclaiming truth may provoke fierce opposition. Faithfulness requires courage amid “terrible” hostility, sustained by assurance that Christ already reigns victorious.
• Suffering and Sanctification: By using the same adverb for both physical pain and hostile persecution, Scripture links personal affliction and external opposition as complementary arenas where God refines faith and manifests His glory.

Comparative Usage in Hellenistic Literature

Outside Scripture, δεινῶς often appears in military dispatches or philosophical laments, depicting circumstances that evoke dread or awe. The New Testament’s selective use reframes the term within redemptive history: terror is not final; it becomes the stage upon which divine compassion or triumph is revealed.

Ministry Implications

The word reminds Christian leaders that urgency and severity in human experience are real but never ultimate. Every “terrible” crisis—whether a hospital bedside or a hostile council chamber—invites the church to display the Lord’s authority and love. By recognizing δεινῶς moments and addressing them with prayerful dependence on Christ, believers participate in God’s ongoing demonstration of His kingdom’s power.

Forms and Transliterations

δεινως δεινώς δεινῶς deinos deinôs deinōs deinō̂s

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 8:6 Adv
GRK: οἰκίᾳ παραλυτικός δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος
NAS: at home, fearfully tormented.
KJV: sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
INT: house paralyzed grievously tormented

Luke 11:53 Adv
GRK: οἱ Φαρισαῖοι δεινῶς ἐνέχειν καὶ
NAS: began to be very hostile
KJV: to urge [him] vehemently, and
INT: the Pharisees urgently to press upon [him] and

Strong's Greek 1171
2 Occurrences

δεινῶς — 2 Occ.