4994. sóphronizó

Lexical Summary

sóphronizó: To teach to be self-controlled, to discipline, to correct

Original Word: σωφρονίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sóphronizó
Pronunciation: so-fro-NEE-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-id'-zo)
KJV: teach to be sober
NASB: encourage
Word Origin: [from G4998 (σώφρων - sensible)]

1. to make of sound mind, ie. to be self-controlled
2. (figuratively) to discipline or correct

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

correct, discipline, teach to be sober.

From sophron; to make of sound mind, i.e. (figuratively) to discipline or correct -- teach to be sober.

see GREEK sophron

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4994 sōphronízō (from 4998 /sṓphrōn, "truly moderate") – being radically-moderate, i.e. living as God defines true balance (used only in Tit 2:4). See 4998 (sōphrōn).

4994 /sōphronízō (literally "living in divine moderation") is moving in the "bigger picture" transforming someone to be "radically-balanced" according to the Lord's will. This radical-moderation requires a complete perspective that is eclectic, combining the legitimate extremities of truth from both sides of a matter. Doing this is vital to counseling young women (mothers) in the will of God (Tit 2:4).

[4994 (sōphronízō) and 4993 (sōphronéō) are both verbs, and are both formed from the same root (4998 /sṓphrōn). 4994 (sōphronízō) emphasizes passing on what the Lord reveals is true balance. 4993 (sōphronéō) expresses a settled state of mind that embraces what the Lord defines is true (radical) moderation.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sóphrón
Definition
to recall one to his senses, admonish
NASB Translation
encourage (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4994: σωφρονίζω

σωφρονίζω, 3 person plural indicative σωφρονιζουσιν, Titus 2:4 L marginal reading T Tr, others, subjunctive σωφρονίζωσι; "to make one σώφρων, restore one to his senses; to moderate, control, curb, discipline; to hold one to his duty; so from Euripides, and Thucydides down; to admonish, to exhort earnestly (R. V. train"): τινα followed by an infinitive Titus 2:4.

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Scope

Strong’s Greek 4994 conveys the action of guiding someone toward sound judgment and disciplined living. It appears once—Titus 2:4—where older women are charged to “train the young women to love their husbands and children”. Though singular in occurrence, the concept permeates Scripture wherever sober-mindedness, self-control, or wise mentoring is described.

Biblical Usage in Context

• Titus 2 situates the verb within Paul’s household code for the church on Crete. After urging Titus to “speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), Paul delineates age- and gender-specific discipleship. The command to older women highlights a structured, relational transmission of godly virtues.
• The instruction forms a bridge between doctrinal integrity and daily conduct: right teaching must produce right living, and right living must be modeled and taught.
• By anchoring the expectation in the domestic sphere—love for husbands and children—Paul underscores that gospel transformation begins at home and radiates outward (compare 1 Timothy 5:14).

Theological Themes

1. Intergenerational Discipleship. The verse establishes a biblical pattern in which seasoned believers assume responsibility for the spiritual formation of the next generation (see Psalms 145:4; 2 Timothy 2:2).
2. Sanctified Affections. The training focuses not merely on behavior but on nurturing love. Biblical love, rooted in covenant commitment, is itself a learned grace shaped by gospel truth.
3. Self-Control as Evidence of Salvation. Titus 2:11–12 broadens the thought: “For the grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions”. The grace that saves also instructs, making self-control an indispensable fruit of salvation.

Historical and Cultural Background

In first-century Greco-Roman society, moral instruction of women was frequently neglected or entrusted to pagan philosophers. Paul’s directive counters that neglect by integrating women into the discipling ministry of the church. On Crete, notorious for moral laxity (Titus 1:12), this charge would have been radical: the Christian assembly was to cultivate homes marked by covenant love and disciplined wisdom rather than cultural excess.

Ministry and Discipleship Implications

• Older women possess a divinely mandated teaching office within the domestic and relational sphere. Their pastoral work complements Titus’s public teaching and extends the reach of sound doctrine.
• The goal is practical holiness. Training younger women to love husbands and children encompasses relational fidelity, domestic stewardship, and emotional maturity, all rooted in gospel motives.
• Congregations should identify, equip, and honor mature women who embody these qualities, fostering structured mentoring relationships that are accountable to church leadership.

Relationship to Other New Testament Concepts

• The fruit of the Spirit includes “self-control” (Galatians 5:23), aligning with the discipling intent of Strong’s 4994.
• Elders must be “self-controlled” (Titus 1:8), older men “temperate” (Titus 2:2), and younger men likewise (Titus 2:6). The singular occurrence of 4994 functions within a broader Pauline emphasis on temperance as a hallmark of every demographic in the church.
• The verb complements the pastoral concern for “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), showing that soundness includes both belief and behavior.

Practical Application for the Church Today

1. Establish Titus 2 ministries in which spiritually mature women systematically mentor younger women in biblical womanhood, marriage, and parenting.
2. Encourage curriculum that integrates doctrine with life skills, ensuring instruction in love, purity, and home management flows from Scripture, not cultural stereotypes.
3. Hold the entire congregation accountable to model self-control, highlighting that the same grace that trains women in Titus 2:4 also disciplines every believer (Titus 2:11-12).
4. Use testimonies of older women to showcase the faithfulness of God across seasons, reinforcing the biblical promise that “gray hair is a crown of glory” when found in righteousness (Proverbs 16:31).

Through one decisive command, Strong’s Greek 4994 calls the church to cultivate generations of believers whose affections and actions are shaped by gospel-driven, Spirit-empowered training, beginning in the home and extending to the world.

Forms and Transliterations

σωφρονιζωσι σωφρονίζωσι σωφρονίζωσιν sophronizosin sophronízosin sōphronizōsin sōphronízōsin

Englishman's Concordance

Titus 2:4 V-PSA-3P
GRK: ἵνα σωφρονίζωσιν τὰς νέας
NAS: so that they may encourage the young women
KJV: to be sober, to love their husbands,
INT: that they might train the young [women]

Strong's Greek 4994
1 Occurrence

σωφρονίζωσιν — 1 Occ.