σφόδρα
sphodra
very
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the lexicon data for the Greek word σφόδρα (sphodra, Strong's number: G4970), we can conclude that it is an intensifier used to convey strong emphasis on a particular quality. The word translates to "very" in English, indicating its function of amplifying the degree or extent of something. The word σφόδρα is used 11 times in the Bible, reflecting its various applications. It can intensify both negative and positive attributes, depending on the context. For example, in some instances, it might emphasize the intensity of emotions, such as fear or pain, while in others, it might highlight the greatness of God's power or the abundance of His provision. The significance of σφόδρα lies in its capacity to add depth and nuance to the descriptions of complex phenomena in the Bible. By using this intensifier, authors can create vivid and evocative language that engages the reader and conveys the richness of human experience, making the text more relatable and memorable.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
11 total occurrences across the text
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 17:6When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.
Matthew 17:23and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry.
Matthew 18:31So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done.
Matthew 19:25When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
Matthew 26:22They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?”
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Mark 16:4for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
Luke 18:23But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was very rich.
Acts 6:7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Revelation 16:21Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe.