← G4969 G4971 →

σφόδρα

sphódra

G4970 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

An adverb meaning with great intensity, exceedingly, or very much. It is used to express a high degree or surplus of a quality, magnitude, or state. In various contexts, it can intensify adjectives or verbs, denoting an especially strong or marked degree of the described attribute or action.

Semantic Range

exceedingly, very much, greatly, to a high degree, utterly, extremely

Root / Etymology

The precise etymology is uncertain; its formation suggests a superlative or intensive sense, possibly related to the base σφοδρός (violent, intense) with the neuter adverbial ending -α. The root is ultimately of unknown derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

σφόδρα is predominantly attested in post-classical and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint, where it frequently translates emphatic Hebrew adverbs (e.g., מְאֹד me'od, 'very, greatly'). It is found regularly in narrative and descriptive passages to strengthen statements about emotions, events, or conditions (e.g., 'they rejoiced exceedingly', 'they were greatly amazed'). Unlike classical adverbs marking moderate intensity, σφόδρα strongly emphasizes extremity or surplus. In New Testament usage, it is common for intensifying surprise, distress, joy, or other experiences, and can modify both adjectives and verbs. English translations usually render it as 'exceedingly', 'very', 'greatly', or 'extremely', though in context it sometimes goes beyond what 'very' or 'greatly' suggest in modern English. σφόδρα is also distinguished from άλλως, μάλα, or ὑπέρ in that it conveys not just excess, but the sense of being at the utmost or to a most intense degree. Classical Greek seldom uses this term; it is far more widespread in Hellenistic and biblical Greek, reflecting a Semitic intensification pattern in its translation function from Hebrew texts.

Translation Consistency

primary "exceedingly" 11 occurrences

σφόδρα is a strong intensifier meaning ‘to a very high degree.’ “Exceedingly” is a single-word adverb that preserves that high intensity, matches the SILEX range, and reflects the existing P2 renderings more naturally than weaker alternatives like “very.”

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter plural of (violent; of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e. in a high degree, much:-- exceeding(-ly), greatly, sore, very.

Root Family

σφόδρα (sphodra) — intense, violent, strong, exceedingly

Root σφοδρ- violent, intense, strong

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4970-01 σφόδρα sphodra ADV greatly exceedingly exceedingly 11

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4970-01 Matthew 2:10 σφόδρα sphodra ADV exceedingly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Matthew 17:6 σφόδρα sphodra ADV greatly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Matthew 17:23 σφόδρα sphodra ADV exceedingly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Matthew 18:31 σφόδρα sphodra ADV greatly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Matthew 19:25 σφόδρα sphodra ADV exceedingly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Matthew 26:22 σφόδρα sphodra ADV greatly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Matthew 27:54 σφόδρα sphodra ADV greatly exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Mark 16:4 σφόδρα sphodra ADV extremely exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Luke 18:23 σφόδρα sphodra ADV very exceedingly exceedingly
G4970-01 Acts 6:7 σφόδρα sphodra ADV greatly exceedingly exceedingly
← G4969 Greek Lexicon G4971 →