Hebrew · Strong's H3966
מְאֹד
(mə-ʾōd)
adverb, noun
Signifying strength, abundance, or intensity, this word is often translated as “very,” “greatly,” or “exceedingly.”
The Hebrew term מְאֹד (mə-ʾōd) primarily conveys a sense of intensity, abundance, or degree. While it can function as a noun meaning "might" or "strength," its most frequent use in the Hebrew Bible is as an adverb emphasizing the extent or quality of an action or state. This broad semantic range allows it to modify verbs, adjectives, and even other adverbs, adding weight to their meaning.
מְאֹד is frequently employed to highlight situations of extreme joy, sorrow, difficulty, or blessing. It can describe a large quantity, a powerful action, or an intense emotion. Its theological significance lies in its ability to underscore the magnitude of God's actions, blessings, or judgments, as well as the depth of human experience. For example, it might describe the severity of a plague, the fruitfulness of a nation, or the greatness of God's strength.
When repeated, the intensity of מְאֹד is amplified, as seen in phrases like "very, very much," serving as a superlative. This doubling stresses an unsurpassed degree. The word is versatile, applicable to both positive and negative contexts, from describing a "very great army" to a "very bitter" affliction, or a "very sore" lamentation. Its ubiquity across different biblical narratives demonstrates its vital role in conveying the full emotional and qualitative range of the biblical message.
Common English renderings
- very
- greatly
- exceedingly
- mightily
- sore
Key verses
"So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army."
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"And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the borders of Egypt; very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such."
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"The king shall joy in thy strength, O Jehovah; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!"
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"And they came to the threshing-floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days."
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"And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee."
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