4971. sphodrós
Lexical Summary
sphodrós: Very, exceedingly, vehemently

Original Word: σφοδρός
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: sphodrós
Pronunciation: sfod-ROS
Phonetic Spelling: (sfod-roce')
KJV: exceedingly
NASB: violently
Word Origin: [adverb from the neuter plural of sphodros (violent, of uncertain derivation) as adverb]

1. very much

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
exceedingly.

Adverb from the same as sphodra; very much -- exceedingly.

see GREEK sphodra

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4971 sphodrṓs (an adverb) – exceedingly. See 4970 (sphodra).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
adverb from the same as sphodra
Definition
exceedingly
NASB Translation
violently (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4971: σφοδρῶς

σφοδρῶς, adverb, from Homer, Odyssey 12, 124 down, exceedingly: Acts 27:18.

Topical Lexicon
Form and Sense within the New Testament

σφοδρῶς (Strong’s Greek 4971) is an adverb of degree, functioning as an intensifier. While its lexical idea is “exceedingly, vehemently, violently,” its single New Testament occurrence supplies vivid force to the narrative. Acts 27:18 employs the term to describe the overwhelming power of a Mediterranean gale that battered the apostle Paul’s vessel on the way to Rome.

Narrative Setting in Acts 27

• Geographic backdrop: open sea between Crete and Malta, late in the sailing season (Acts 27:9).
• Human cast: Paul, Luke, Aristarchus, Julius the centurion, seasoned sailors, and other prisoners—about 276 souls (Acts 27:37).
• Immediate context: After ignoring Paul’s warning (Acts 27:10–11), the crew finds itself trapped in a cyclonic wind called Euroclydon (Acts 27:14).

“In violent battering (σφοδρῶς) we were being tossed about, so the next day they began to jettison the cargo” (Acts 27:18). The adverb strengthens Luke’s eyewitness report, conveying that the ship was not merely troubled but dangerously overwhelmed.

Historical and Maritime Significance

First–century grain ships commonly sailed from Alexandria to Rome. They measured 40–50 meters in length, with a single mast and square sail—capable of carrying hundreds of passengers but poorly suited to navigate fierce winter tempests. Luke’s use of σφοδρῶς captures the absolute extremity of the storm’s force, explaining the drastic measures: undergirding the hull with cables (Acts 27:17), throwing over cargo (Acts 27:18), and even casting off the ship’s tackle (Acts 27:19).

Theological Themes Highlighted by σφοδρῶς

1. Divine Sovereignty in Calamity
• Although the storm raged “violently,” the Lord had already promised Paul, “You must stand before Caesar” (Acts 27:24). The term magnifies the contrast between apparent chaos and divine control.

2. The Refinement of Faith Through Severe Trial
• The intensity expressed by σφοδρῶς parallels the refining imagery of “various trials” in 1 Peter 1:6–7 and James 1:2–4, emphasizing God’s purpose in allowing believers to be “pressed beyond measure” (2 Corinthians 1:8) yet preserved.

3. Providential Opportunity for Witness
• In the very environment described as σφοδρῶς, Paul exemplifies calm assurance, praying, breaking bread, and encouraging all on board (Acts 27:33–36). Extreme circumstances become a platform for gospel credibility.

Related Intensifiers in Scripture

Though σφοδρῶς appears only once, the New Testament frequently uses other intensifiers to stress serious peril or extraordinary emotion:
• σφόδρα (Matthew 2:10; Luke 18:23) – great joy or deep sorrow.
• ἐξαισίως (Mark 7:37) – “utterly astonished.”

These parallels underscore the biblical pattern of highlighting moments when human strength is exhausted and divine help becomes conspicuous.

Pastoral and Homiletical Applications

• Encourage believers to interpret life’s “violent tossings” as arenas for faith and testimony.
• Illustrate the folly of disregarding godly counsel (Acts 27:11) and the mercy that still follows (Acts 27:44).
• Stress that God’s promises outlast every σφοδρῶς moment, steering His people safely to His appointed harbor (Psalm 107:23–30; Acts 27:25).

Ministry Reflection

σφοδρῶς is not merely a descriptive adverb; it is an invitation to consider how the gospel advances precisely through situations of exceptional intensity. Paul’s voyage reminds Christians that neither storms nor the fiercest opposition can hinder the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Forms and Transliterations
σφοδρως σφοδρώς σφοδρῶς σφονδύλου sphodros sphodrôs sphodrōs sphodrō̂s
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 27:18 Adv
GRK: σφοδρῶς δὲ χειμαζομένων
NAS: The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed,
KJV: we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest,
INT: extremely violently moreover being storm-tossed

Strong's Greek 4971
1 Occurrence


σφοδρῶς — 1 Occ.

4970
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