δεινῶς
deinōs
G1171 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb expressing something carried out in a dreadful, extreme, or excessive manner; chiefly, 'terribly,' 'dangerously,' or 'excessively.' It conveys that an action or state is attended by extraordinary intensity, often with implications of fear, distress, or impressive magnitude. In context, it may signify 'vehemently' (with powerful effect) or 'grievously' (so as to cause or experience deep trouble).
Semantic Range
terribly, dreadfully, exceedingly, excessively, grievously, vehemently, impressively (contextual), fearsomely (rarer classical nuance)
Root / Etymology
Formed from the adjective δεινός ('fearsome,' 'terrible,' 'formidable,' 'powerful') with the adverbial ending -ῶς. Root δειν- is related to the idea of fear, awe, or impressive intensity. No clear connection to δειλός ('cowardly,' 'fearful'), though they are near in form.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δεινῶς is used to intensify meaning—'terribly,' 'fearfully,' or 'wondrously'—suggesting something of great magnitude, whether positive (skill, cleverness, power) or negative (danger, trouble, pain). By the Koine period, its nuance often shifted towards negative or alarming connotations, as in the New Testament, where it describes the seriousness or intensity of a circumstance (e.g., suffering, distress, or miraculous events). The full semantic range may not be captured in English translations using 'vehemently' or 'grievously.' Classical usage could also suggest impressive skill or capability ('marvellously'), but this is less common in biblical Greek. Related adjectives: δεινός (fearsome, skilled); δειλία (timidity, fearfulness). The term does not directly connote cowardice or ordinary fear; rather, it's the magnitude or extremity that is key. LXX uses are rare, and in the New Testament δεινῶς appears only in Matthew 8:6, describing intense suffering. Later Greek writers continue to use δεινῶς for excess or impressiveness, whether favorable or unfavorable.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from a derivative of the same as δειλός; terribly, i.e. excessively:--grievously, vehemently.
Root Family
δεινῶς (deinōs) — fearful, dreadful, excessive intensity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1171-01 |
δεινῶς | deinos | ADV |
fearfully | terribly | terribly | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1171-01 |
Matthew 8:6 | δεινῶς | deinos | ADV |
fearfully | terribly | terribly |
G1171-01 |
Luke 11:53 | δεινῶς | deinos | ADV |
terribly | terribly | terribly |