4993. sóphroneó

Lexicon

sóphroneó: To be of sound mind, to be self-controlled, to be sober-minded

Original Word: σωφρονέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sóphroneó
Pronunciation: so-fro-NEH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-eh'-o)
Definition: To be of sound mind, to be self-controlled, to be sober-minded
Meaning: I am of sound mind, am sober-minded, exercise self-control.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

be in right mind, be sober minded

From sophron; to be of sound mind, i.e. Sane, (figuratively) moderate -- be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.

see GREEK sophron

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4993 sōphronéō – properly, safety-minded; having a sober outlook that reflects true balance.

For the believer, 4993 /sōphronéō ("think shrewdly") reflects what God defines is true moderation. This God-controlled perspective blends the extremities of truth on both sides of a matter. See 4998 (sōphrōn).

[The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from two words: sōos ("safe") and phrēn ("what regulates life," the root of the English term, "diaphram").

Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm, which even controls our ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. This regulates ("brings safety") to the body, keeping it properly controlled.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sóphrón
Definition
to be of sound mind, i.e. to be temperate
NASB Translation
have sound judgment (1), right mind (2), sensible (1), sound judgment (1), sound mind (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4993: σωφρονέω

σωφρονέω, σωφρόνω; 1 aorist imperative σωφρονήσατε; (σώφρων, which see); from Tragg., Xenophon, Plato down; to be of sound mind, i. e.

a. to be in one's right mind: of one who has ceased δαιμονίζεσθαι, Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; opposed to ἐκστηναι, 2 Corinthians 5:13, (the σωφρονων and μανεις are contrasted in Plato, de rep. i., p. 331 c.; σωφρονουσαι and μανεισαι, Phaedr., p. 244 b.; ὁ μεμηνως ... ἐσωφρονησε, Apollod. 3, 5, 1, 6).

b. to exercise self-control; i. e. α. to put a moderate estimate upon oneself, think of oneself soberly: opposed to ὑπερφρονεῖν, Romans 12:3. β. to curb one's passions, Titus 2:6; joined with νήφω (as in Lucian, Nigrin. 6) (R. V. be of sound mind and be sober), 1 Peter 4:7.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words σῶς (sōs, meaning "safe" or "sound") and φρήν (phrēn, meaning "mind" or "understanding").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σωφρονέω, the concept of soundness of mind and self-control can be related to Hebrew terms such as בִּינָה (binah, Strong's 998, meaning "understanding" or "insight") and חָכְמָה (chokmah, Strong's 2451, meaning "wisdom"). These terms reflect the Old Testament emphasis on wisdom and understanding as foundational to a godly life.

Usage: The verb σωφρονέω is used in the New Testament to describe the quality of having a sound mind, characterized by self-control, moderation, and prudence. It is often associated with the Christian virtue of living a disciplined and balanced life, in accordance with God's will.

Context: The term σωφρονέω appears in several New Testament passages, emphasizing the importance of a sound and disciplined mind in the life of a believer. In Romans 12:3, Paul exhorts believers "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you." Here, σωφρονέω is linked to humility and the proper assessment of oneself in light of God's grace.

In Titus 2:6, young men are encouraged to "be self-controlled," highlighting the role of σωφρονέω in fostering maturity and responsibility. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and a mark of spiritual maturity.

The concept of σωφρονέω is also present in 2 Corinthians 5:13, where Paul contrasts being "out of our mind" for God with being "of sound mind" for the sake of others, illustrating the balance between zeal for God and practical wisdom in ministry.

Overall, σωφρονέω underscores the necessity for believers to cultivate a mindset that is both spiritually attuned and practically wise, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with discernment and grace.

Forms and Transliterations

σωφρονειν σωφρονείν σωφρονεῖν σωφρονησατε σωφρονήσατε σωφρονουμεν σωφρονούμεν σωφρονοῦμεν σωφρονουντα σωφρονούντα σωφρονοῦντα sophronein sophroneîn sōphronein sōphroneîn sophronesate sophronḗsate sōphronēsate sōphronḗsate sophronoumen sophronoûmen sōphronoumen sōphronoûmen sophronounta sophronoûnta sōphronounta sōphronoûnta

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 5:15 V-PPA-AMS
GRK: ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα τὸν ἐσχηκότα
NAS: clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had
KJV: and in his right mind: and
INT: clothed and of sound mind him who had

Luke 8:35 V-PPA-AMS
GRK: ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα παρὰ τοὺς
NAS: clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened.
KJV: and in his right mind: and
INT: clothed and of sound mind at the

Romans 12:3 V-PNA
GRK: εἰς τὸ σωφρονεῖν ἑκάστῳ ὡς
NAS: so as to have sound judgment, as God
INT: so as to be sober-minded to each as

2 Corinthians 5:13 V-PIA-1P
GRK: θεῷ εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν ὑμῖν
NAS: if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
KJV: or whether we be sober, [it is] for your cause.
INT: [it was] to God or are sober-minded [it is] for you

Titus 2:6 V-PNA
GRK: ὡσαύτως παρακάλει σωφρονεῖν
NAS: urge the young men to be sensible;
KJV: likewise exhort to be sober minded.
INT: in like manner exhort to be self-controlled

1 Peter 4:7 V-AMA-2P
GRK: τέλος ἤγγικεν σωφρονήσατε οὖν καὶ
NAS: therefore, be of sound judgment and sober
KJV: be ye therefore sober, and watch
INT: end has drawn near be sober-minded therefore and

Strong's Greek 4993
6 Occurrences

σωφρονήσατε — 1 Occ.
σωφρονεῖν — 2 Occ.
σωφρονοῦμεν — 1 Occ.
σωφρονοῦντα — 2 Occ.