Lexical Summary sphodra: Very, exceedingly, greatly Original Word: σφόδρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exceedingly, greatly, sore, very. Neuter plural of sphodros (violent; of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e. In a high degree, much -- exceeding(-ly), greatly, sore, very. HELPS Word-studies 4970 sphódra (from sphodros, "all-out, exceeding; very much", L-S) – properly, "done to the max," going all-out ("wide-open") with total effort – like doing something "with a vengeance!" [4970 /sphódra ("exceedingly") is "properly the neuter plural of sphodros ('vehement, violent') and means 'exceedingly, greatly,' and is placed after adjectives" (J. Thayer).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from sphodros (excessive, violent) Definition very much NASB Translation deeply (3), exceedingly (1), extremely (3), greatly (1), very (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4970: σφόδρασφόδρα (properly neuter plural of σφοδρός, vehement, violent;), from Pindar and Herodotus down, exceedingly, greatly: placed after adjectives, Matthew 2:10; Mark 16:4; Luke 18:23; Revelation 16:21; with verbs, Matthew 17:6, 23; Matthew 18:31; Matthew 19:25; Matthew 26:22; Matthew 27:54; Acts 6:7. Topical Lexicon Overview The adverb rendered “very,” “greatly,” or “exceedingly” appears eleven times in the Greek New Testament. Each occurrence serves to intensify an emotion, a circumstance, or a divine act, thereby drawing special attention to the magnitude of what is being reported. The word never stands alone; it functions as a spotlight that heightens the reader’s awareness of God’s activity, human response, or cosmic upheaval. Occurrences in the Gospel Narratives 1. Matthew concentrates seven of the eleven uses, employing the term to deepen the emotional texture of his account. 2. Mark and Luke each feature one occurrence. Mark 16:4 highlights the physical enormity of the stone that had been rolled away, preparing the reader for the resurrection announcement. Luke 18:23 depicts the rich ruler’s profound sorrow when confronted with the cost of discipleship. The Early Church and Mission Expansion Acts 6:7 weaves the word into Luke’s summary of gospel advance: “So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew greatly”. The intensifier stresses that the growth was not marginal but striking, confirming Jesus’ promise that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His church. Eschatological Judgement Revelation 16:21 applies the adverb to the severity of the seventh bowl: “Huge hailstones, each weighing about a talent, fell on men from the sky, and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail, so severe was that plague”. Here the word frames the judgement as extraordinary, encouraging believers to revere God’s holiness and anticipate His final victory. The Language of Deep Emotion and Perception Across the Synoptic Gospels the term intensifies joy (Matthew 2:10), fear (Matthew 17:6; 27:54), sorrow (Luke 18:23), amazement (Matthew 19:25), and distress (Matthew 26:22). In each scene the narrative draws the reader into the psychological and spiritual experience of the characters, validating human emotion while directing attention to God’s redemptive work. Depicting Supernatural Intervention Whether a star guiding Gentile seekers, a radiant Christ on the mountain, an empty tomb, or cosmic hailstones, the adverb amplifies moments where heaven intersects earth. Its recurring presence in such contexts alerts readers to recognize the hand of God behind the events. Communicating Gospel Impact Acts 6:7 signals that the same divine power compelling awe and fear in the Gospels now channels exponential growth through the apostolic proclamation. The usage connects the historical ministry of Jesus with the ongoing mission of His church. Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching: Highlighting the intensifier helps congregations feel the weight of biblical events, moving truth from abstract to experiential. Historical and Literary Observations In koine Greek outside the New Testament, the adverb was common in both narrative and rhetoric, yet the Spirit employs it sparingly in Scripture. Its selective distribution creates literary peaks, guiding readers to linger over pivotal points in salvation history. Key Takeaways for Christian Living 1. God’s interventions are never trivial; they call for appropriate and often intense human response. In every passage the adverb serves as a theological highlighter, directing the heart and mind to the surpassing greatness of God’s revelation in Christ and His continuing work in the world. Forms and Transliterations σφοδρα σφόδρα σφοδρόν σφοδρώ sphodra sphódraLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:10 AdvGRK: χαρὰν μεγάλην σφόδρα NAS: they rejoiced exceedingly with great KJV: they rejoiced with exceeding great INT: joy great exceedingly Matthew 17:6 Adv Matthew 17:23 Adv Matthew 18:31 Adv Matthew 19:25 Adv Matthew 26:22 Adv Matthew 27:54 Adv Mark 16:4 Adv Luke 18:23 Adv Acts 6:7 Adv Revelation 16:21 Adv |
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