### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb **sphodrōs**, represented by `{{G4971}}`, means **exceedingly** or "very much." It is a rare word in the biblical text, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its function is to intensify the action it modifies, indicating an extreme or severe degree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G4971}}` occurs in the narrative of Paul's perilous sea journey to Rome. The ship is caught in a violent storm, and the word is used to convey the extremity of their situation. The text states, "we being **exceedingly** tossed with a tempest" [[Acts 27:18]]. This intense description of the storm's violence sets the stage for the desperate measures the crew takes next, which is to lighten the ship to prevent it from sinking.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Acts 27:18]] help illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G5492}}` **cheimázō** (be tossed with tempest): This is the verb that `{{G4971}}` directly modifies. It describes laboring under a gale, and its combination with "exceedingly" paints a picture of a vessel completely overwhelmed by the storm [[Acts 27:18]].
* `{{G1546}}` **ekbolḗ** (lighten the ship): This noun, meaning "ejection" or throwing cargo overboard, describes the direct consequence of being "exceedingly" tossed. This action highlights the crew's desperation in the face of the storm's intensity [[Acts 27:18]].
* `{{G1836}}` **hexēs** (next): This word establishes the sequence of events. The crew endured the "exceedingly" violent tossing, and on the **next** day, they were forced to take further action, showing the prolonged nature of the peril [[Acts 27:18]].
* `{{G4160}}` **poiéō** (to make or do): This common verb is paired with `{{G1546}}` to describe the action of lightening the ship. It shows the deliberate choice made in response to the severe conditions described by `{{G4971}}`.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4971}}` is found in its narrative function of highlighting the severity of a trial.
* **Intensity of Trial:** The word’s primary function is to establish the life-threatening magnitude of the storm. It moves the description from a difficult situation to a desperate one, emphasizing that the peril was not minor but extreme [[Acts 27:18]].
* **Human Response to Crisis:** The "exceeding" nature of the trial necessitates a drastic human response. The crew is forced to lighten the ship (`{{G1546}}`), illustrating the theme of making costly sacrifices when facing overwhelming circumstances.
* **Context of Divine Providence:** While `{{G4971}}` describes the physical crisis, it exists within a larger narrative of God's purpose. The pronoun "we" (`{{G2257}}`) in the verse is a reminder of the believers on board. Related scripture affirms that if God is for **us**, nothing can stand against **us** [[Romans 8:31]], framing the extreme trial as an event through which God's faithfulness will ultimately be demonstrated.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4971}}` is a concise and powerful adverb whose single appearance in Scripture is impactful. Used in [[Acts 27:18]], it vividly portrays the extremity of the storm faced by Paul and his companions. More than just a weather description, **sphodrōs** serves to heighten the narrative tension, justify the crew's desperate actions, and set the scene for a powerful demonstration of endurance through a life-threatening trial.
TRV