εὐτόνως

From the study of Acts 18:28

Range of meaning

Adverb from εὔτονος, 'well-strung, taut, vigorous' (from τόνος, the tension of a cord or sinew). Hence: vigorously, forcefully, energetically, vehemently, loudly. It describes intensity and force, not necessarily hostility.

Against the English

BSB, WEB and YLT 'powerfully'; KJV 'mightily'; NIV 'vigorously'. All are fair. 'Powerfully' can suggest that his arguments were successful or persuasive; the word itself speaks of the energy and force of the effort, not its outcome.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used in the New Testament only here and in Luke 23:10, where the chief priests and scribes stood 'vehemently' accusing Jesus before Herod. Luke used the same word for Jesus' accusers and for Apollos defending him. In the Greek Old Testament it appears, as far as I can tell, of trumpets sounding loudly (Joshua 6:8) and, in a superlative form, of a pursuit pressed very hard (2 Maccabees 12:23). In other Greek it is used of a strong voice or firm physical vigour.

From the study of Luke 23:10

Range of meaning

An adverb formed from eu ('well') and tonos ('tension, stretching', as of a string or a muscle). The adjective eutonos means 'well-strung, taut, sinewy, vigorous', and Greek writers used it for strong bodies, tight cords and energetic action. The adverb means 'vigorously, strenuously, with full force'.

Against the English

'Vehemently' (KJV, BSB, WEB, YLT and most modern versions) fits well. Paraphrases that make it 'shouting' (as NLT does) narrow it to loudness. The Greek points to force and persistence, which could include raised voices but is not the same as volume.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament it appears only here and in Acts 18:28, where Apollos 'vigorously refuted' the Jews in public debate. Both uses are Luke's, and both describe forceful argument. In the Greek Old Testament (LXX) it is used in Joshua 6:8 for priests sounding their trumpets 'vigorously' (a reading I hold with moderate confidence). Medical and philosophical writers used the adjective for physical vigour and muscle tone.