Lexical Summary sphodrós: Very, exceedingly, vehemently Original Word: σφοδρός 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 Originadverb from the same as sphodra Definition exceedingly NASB Translation violently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4971: σφοδρῶςσφοδρῶς, adverb, from Homer, Odyssey 12, 124 down, exceedingly: Acts 27:18. Topical Lexicon Form and Sense within the New Testamentσφοδρῶς (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). “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 2. The Refinement of Faith Through Severe Trial 3. Providential Opportunity for Witness Related Intensifiers in Scripture Though σφοδρῶς appears only once, the New Testament frequently uses other intensifiers to stress serious peril or extraordinary emotion: 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. 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 sphodrō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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