Strong's Lexicon néphó: To be sober, to be self-controlled, to be watchful Original Word: νήφω Word Origin: Derived from a primary verb meaning "to abstain from wine" (literally or figuratively) Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "νήφω," the concept of sobriety and vigilance can be related to Hebrew words like "שָׁקַד" (shaqad), meaning to watch or be alert, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 1:12. Usage: The Greek verb "νήφω" (néphó) primarily means to be sober-minded or self-controlled. It conveys the idea of being free from the influence of intoxicants, both literally and metaphorically, and extends to being vigilant and watchful. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe a state of mental and spiritual alertness, encouraging believers to remain clear-headed and focused on their faith and responsibilities. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, sobriety was often associated with moral and ethical behavior. The early Christian community, living amidst a culture that frequently indulged in excess, was called to a higher standard of living. Sobriety, in this context, was not only about abstaining from physical intoxication but also about maintaining spiritual and moral clarity. The call to be sober-minded was a counter-cultural stance that emphasized discipline and readiness, especially in anticipation of Christ's return. HELPS Word-studies 3525 nḗphō – properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.). 3525 /nḗphō ("be sober, unintoxicated") refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 3525 /nḗphō ("uninfluenced by intoxicants") means to have "one's wits (faculties) about them," which is the opposite of being irrational. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to be sober, to abstain from wine NASB Translation keep sober (1), sober (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3525: νήφωνήφω; 1 aorist imperative 2 person plural νήψατε; from Theognis, Sophocles, Xenophon down; to be sober; in the N. T. everywhere tropically, to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect: 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 5:8; εἰς τάς προσευχάς, unto (the offering of) prayer, 1 Peter 4:7. (Synonym: see ἀγρυπνέω; and on the word see Ellicott on Timothy, the passage cited Compare: ἀνανήφω, ἐκνήφω.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to be sober, to abstain from wineOf uncertain affinity: to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet -- be sober, watch. Forms and Transliterations νηφε νήφε νῆφε νηφοντες νήφοντες νηφωμεν νήφωμεν νηψατε νήψατε nephe nêphe nēphe nē̂phe nephomen nēphōmen nḗphomen nḗphōmen nephontes nēphontes nḗphontes nepsate nēpsate nḗpsateLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Thessalonians 5:6 V-PSA-1PGRK: γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν NAS: do, but let us be alert and sober. KJV: let us watch and be sober. INT: we should watch and we should be sober 1 Thessalonians 5:8 V-PSA-1P 2 Timothy 4:5 V-PMA-2S 1 Peter 1:13 V-PPA-NMP 1 Peter 4:7 V-AMA-2P 1 Peter 5:8 V-AMA-2P Strong's Greek 3525 |
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