4997. sóphrosuné

Lexicon

sóphrosuné: Soundness of mind, self-control, temperance, moderation

Original Word: σωφροσύνη
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: sóphrosuné
Pronunciation: so-fro-soo'-nay
Phonetic Spelling: (so-fros-oo'-nay)
Definition: Soundness of mind, self-control, temperance, moderation
Meaning: soundness of mind, sanity; self-control, sobriety.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

soberness, sobriety.

From sophron; soundness of mind, i.e. (literally) sanity or (figuratively) self-control -- soberness, sobriety.

see GREEK sophron

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4997 sōphrosýnē (a feminine noun derived from 4998 /sṓphrōn, "truly moderate") – moderation as fitting a particular application (situation). See 4998 (sōphrōn).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sóphrón
Definition
soundness of mind, self-control
NASB Translation
discreetly (1), self-restraint (1), sober (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4997: σωφροσύνη

σωφροσύνη, σωφροσύνης, ἡ (σώφρων), fr; Homer (where σαοφροσυνη) down;

a. soundness of mind (opposed to μανία, Xenophon, mem. 1, 1, 16; Plato, Prot., p. 323 b.): ῤήματα σωφροσύνης, words of sanity (A. V. soberness), Acts 26:25.

b. self-control, sobriety (ea virtus, cujus propriam est, motus animi appetentes regere et sedare semperque adversantem libidini moderntam in omni re servare constantiam, Cicero, Tusc. 3, 8, 17; ἡ σωφροσύνη ἐστι καί ἡδονῶν τινων καί ἐπιθυμιῶν ἐγκράτεια, Plato, rep. 4, 430 e.; cf. Phaedo, p. 68 c.; sympos., p. 196c.; (Diogenes Laërtius 3, 91; 4 Macc. 1:31; σωφροσύνη δέ ἀρετή δἰ ἥν πρός τάς ἡδονάς τοῦ σώματος οὕτως ἔχουσιν ὡς ὁ νόμος κελευει, ἀκολασία δέ τοὐναντίον, Aristotle, rhet. 1, 9, 9): 1 Timothy 2:15; joined with αἰδώς (as in Xenophon, Cyril 8, 1, 30f) ibid. 9; (cf. Trench, N. T. Synonyms, § xx., and see αἰδώς).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root 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 σωφροσύνη, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words such as תַּחֲרוּם (taḥarūm, meaning "discretion") and בִּינָה (bīnah, meaning "understanding" or "insight"), which convey aspects of wisdom and prudent living.

Usage: The word σωφροσύνη is used in the New Testament to describe a quality of character that embodies self-restraint and a well-balanced mind. It is often associated with virtues such as wisdom, discretion, and moral soundness.

Context: • Contextual Significance: In the New Testament, σωφροσύνη is a virtue highly esteemed among early Christians, reflecting a life governed by the Holy Spirit. It is considered essential for leaders and believers alike, as it denotes a life that is not swayed by passions or external pressures but is instead marked by a steady and thoughtful demeanor.

• Biblical References:
• 1 Timothy 2:9: "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control (σωφροσύνη), not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes."
• Titus 2:12: "It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible (σωφροσύνη), upright, and godly lives in the present age."

• Theological Implications: σωφροσύνη is seen as a fruit of the Spirit, indicative of a life transformed by Christ. It is a reflection of inner peace and stability, enabling believers to live in a manner that honors God. This virtue is crucial for maintaining personal integrity and fostering harmonious relationships within the Christian community.

• Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate σωφροσύνη by aligning their thoughts and actions with biblical principles. This involves practicing self-discipline, making wise decisions, and maintaining a focus on spiritual growth. It is a call to live a life that is both reflective and proactive, ensuring that one's conduct is consistent with the teachings of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

σωφροσυνης σωφροσύνης sophrosunes sōphrosunēs sophrosynes sophrosýnes sōphrosynēs sōphrosýnēs

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 26:25 N-GFS
GRK: ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ῥήματα ἀποφθέγγομαι
NAS: but I utter words of sober truth.
KJV: of truth and soberness.
INT: truth and rational words I utter

1 Timothy 2:9 N-GFS
GRK: αἰδοῦς καὶ σωφροσύνης κοσμεῖν ἑαυτάς
NAS: modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair
KJV: shamefacedness and sobriety; not with
INT: modesty and self-control should adorn themselves

1 Timothy 2:15 N-GFS
GRK: ἁγιασμῷ μετὰ σωφροσύνης
NAS: and sanctity with self-restraint.
KJV: holiness with sobriety.
INT: sanctification with self-restraint

Strong's Greek 4997
3 Occurrences

σωφροσύνης — 3 Occ.