σφόδρα (sphodra)
sphodra
very
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb sphodra conveys intensity, meaning "very," "exceedingly," or "greatly." It functions as a powerful intensifier that amplifies the emotion or action in the surrounding verb or adjective. Rather than describing a physical quality, it signals a high degree of feeling or magnitude, serving to emphasize the weight of a statement.
This word appears eleven times in the New Testament, with notable occurrences in Matthew and Mark. For instance, it describes the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’s authority (Matthew 7:28) and the centurion’s profound fear when the earth shook (Matthew 27:54). In Revelation, it intensifies the severity of divine judgments, such as the hailstorm of great weight falling from heaven (Revelation 16:21).
Etymologically, sphodra derives from the adjective sphodros, which carries connotations of violence or excess. This root suggests that the intensity described is not mild but forceful and overwhelming. Translators typically render it simply as "very" or "greatly," though the underlying sense often implies a stirring of strong emotion or a significant magnitude of events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sphodra appears in the New Testament to describe moments of overwhelming intensity. It is not a quiet or mild emotion but a forceful reaction to something significant. When the disciples saw the star, their joy was exceedingly great. When they heard Jesus speak about his death, their sorrow was profound. This word helps us understand that our faith includes deep, real feelings.
In your own life, you may experience seasons of intense fear or sudden joy. These emotions are not mistakes; they are part of being human. The Bible does not ask you to suppress these feelings but to bring them before God. Whether you are facing a difficult decision or celebrating a blessing, your heart’s response matters to Him.
This intensifier reminds us that God is present in the highs and lows of life. He meets us in our astonishment and our sadness. You do not need to hide your true feelings from Him. Instead, you can trust that He understands the weight of every situation you face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- extremely.2×
- exceedingly,2×
- exceedingly2×
- greatly.1×
- greatly1×
- exceedingly.1×
- deeply.1×
- deeply,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σφόδρα.¶3×
- σφόδρα,3×
- σφόδρα3×
- σφόδρα.2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
This verse uses sphodra to show that the wise men’s joy was not just happy but overwhelming, highlighting the significance of Jesus’s birth.
-
Matthew 17:6
When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.
Here the word describes the disciples’ intense fear at the voice from heaven, showing how divine presence can shake human confidence.
-
Matthew 27:54
Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
The centurion’s terror at the earthquake leads to a confession of faith, demonstrating that even fear can open the door to recognizing Jesus as Son of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sphodra mean in the Bible?
How is sphodra different from other words for 'great'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 7 verses
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…
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…