"much, greatly, exceedingly, Mt. 2:10; 17:6; Mk. 16:4; Lk. 18:23; Acts 6:7"
Definition and meaning
much, greatly, exceedingly, Mt. 2:10; 17:6; Mk. 16:4; Lk. 18:23; Acts 6:7
In the original Greek the word is written: σφόδρα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of sphodra (G4970) across the King James Bible.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
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Common questions
Strong's G4970 (sphodra) is a Greek word that means: much, greatly, exceedingly, Mt. 2:10; 17:6; Mk. 16:4; Lk. 18:23; Acts 6:7 It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word sphodra (G4970) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4970 is sphodra, a Greek word defined as: much, greatly, exceedingly, Mt. 2:10; 17:6; Mk. 16:4; Lk. 18:23; Acts 6:7. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
sphodra is a Greek word found in the New Testament.