δεινῶς (deinōs)
deinōs
terribly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb deinōs conveys a sense of intensity that ranges from "terribly" to "vehemently." In Matthew 8:6, it describes the centurion’s servant as being "terribly" paralyzed, highlighting the severity and gravity of the physical condition. The word captures a state that is not merely serious, but alarming or grievous in its impact.
In Luke 11:53, the tone shifts slightly to describe the scribes and Pharisees acting "vehemently." Here, deinōs modifies their behavior, suggesting they were pressing him hard with questions. This usage shows the word can apply to aggressive intensity in human interaction, not just passive suffering.
Derived from a root associated with awe or dread, deinōs carries an emotional weight that underscores the seriousness of the situation. Whether describing a medical crisis or a hostile confrontation, it signals that the matter at hand demands attention and cannot be ignored.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word deinōs carries a heavy weight, describing situations that are truly alarming or severe. In Matthew 8:6, it paints a picture of a servant who was grievously tormented by paralysis. This intensity shows Jesus how desperate the situation was, prompting Him to offer healing not just for the body, but for the household in crisis.
Yet this word also appears in Luke 11:53, where it describes the scribes and Pharisees being terribly angry. Here, deinōs captures a different kind of pressure—the hostile questioning that sought to trap Jesus. It reminds us that not all intensity comes from suffering; some comes from opposition.
When you face trials that feel overwhelming, or when you encounter resistance that seems unreasonable, this word validates the gravity of your experience. God sees the severity of your pain and the weight of the pressure around you. You are not alone in these moments, for He walks through both suffering and conflict with you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- urgently1×
- grievously1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεινῶς2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:6
saying, “Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.”
This occurrence highlights the severity of the servant's paralysis, showing that Jesus responds to desperate human suffering with immediate compassion.
-
Luke 11:53
As he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be terribly angry, and to draw many things out of him,
Here the word describes the intense hostility of religious leaders, illustrating how deinōs can modify aggressive behavior rather than just physical pain.