Lexical Summary sóphronós: Sensibly, soberly, with self-control Original Word: σωφρόνως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance soberly. Adverb from sophron; with sound mind, i.e. Moderately -- soberly. see GREEK sophron HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4996 sōphrónōs (an adverb, derived from 4998 /sṓphrōn, "of true moderation") – moderately, reflecting the radical-balance birthed within by faith from the Lord (used only in Tit 2:12). Accordingly, there is a direct connection of faith ("God's inworked persuasion") and 4996 /sōphrónōs ("being safe-minded") in Tit 2:10-12. See 4998 (sōphrōn). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from sóphrón Definition with sound mind NASB Translation sensibly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4996: σωφρόνωςσωφρόνως (σώφρων), adverb, from (Aeschylus), Herodotus down, with sound mind, soberly, temperately, discreetly: Titus 2:12 (Wis. 9:11). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4996, σωφρόνως, describes living in a sound-minded, self-restrained, and balanced way. Though the adverb occurs only once in the Greek New Testament—Titus 2:12—its concept permeates Scripture, forming a vital strand in the biblical tapestry of holiness and discipleship. Biblical Setting (Titus 2:11-14) The lone appearance of σωφρόνως stands in a densely theological paragraph. Paul teaches that “the grace of God has appeared” (Titus 2:11), training believers “to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:12). Here σωφρόνως modifies the manner of Christian living between Christ’s first and second comings (verse 13). It is the grace-empowered alternative to the “worldly passions” that once ruled but have now been denied. Relationship to the Broader New Testament Theme of Self-Control Although the precise adverb occurs only in Titus, the same moral quality is urged throughout Scripture: These passages echo the heartbeat of σωφρόνως: a life ordered by redeemed reason, guarded affections, and disciplined choices. Old Testament Roots The concept parallels Hebrew wisdom language portraying temperate conduct. Proverbs 25:28 compares a man without self-control to “a city broken into and left without walls,” underscoring the protective function of inner restraint. Isaiah 30:15 adds the redemptive dimension: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Such texts anticipate the New Testament’s fuller revelation that true sensibility flows from grace. Historical and Early-Church Emphasis Early Christian writers prized σωφροσύνη (the noun form) as a mark of conversion, distinguishing believers from the surrounding culture. The Didache urges disciples to remain “gentle and humble, but not double-minded.” Justin Martyr argued that the gospel produces “self-restraint and continence” among converts, offering credible witness to skeptics of the second century. Monastic movements later adopted vows and rhythms aimed at cultivating a sound mind and body, interpreting σωφρόνως as an embodied spiritual discipline. Ministry Significance 1. Pastoral Training: Titus 2 as a whole outlines inter-generational discipleship—older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves (employees). Each group is to embody sensible living, showing that σωφρόνως is neither optional nor age-specific but integral to every demographic in the church. Practical Expressions • Stewardship of Desires: Regulating appetites (food, sexuality, entertainment) so they serve rather than enslave. Contrast with Worldly Passions Paul pits σωφρόνως against “worldly passions.” The term therefore carries a polemical edge: it is not neutrality but active resistance. The believer denies (“renounces”) one set of loves in order to embrace another. Self-control is thus fruit, not root; it grows out of grace, not mere willpower. Eschatological Orientation Titus 2:13 anchors sensible living in “the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Far from stoic detachment, σωφρόνως is energized by anticipation. The coming glory motivates present balance; eternity shapes today’s priorities. Pastoral Reflection The modern church often confronts twin temptations: cultural accommodation that indulges the flesh, and reactionary austerity that mistrusts joy. The adverb σωφρόνως charts a wiser path. By the Spirit’s enabling, believers may enjoy creation gratefully while remaining unentangled, thereby reflecting the wholesome character of the Savior who “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people of His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). Summary Though rare in vocabulary, σωφρόνως is rich in meaning. It encapsulates the grace-trained, hope-oriented, and Spirit-empowered lifestyle to which every follower of Jesus Christ is called—one that prizes clear thinking, disciplined affections, and godly action for the glory of God in “this present age.” Forms and Transliterations σωφρονως σωφρόνως sophronos sophrónos sōphronōs sōphrónōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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