Lexical Summary sóphrosuné: Soundness of mind, self-control, temperance, moderation Original Word: σωφροσύνη 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 Originfrom sóphrón Definition soundness of mind, self-control NASB Translation discreetly (1), self-restraint (1), sober (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4997: σωφροσύνησωφροσύνη, 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). The noun σωφροσύνη conveys mental soundness that expresses itself in moral restraint, modesty, and balanced judgment. It unites the ideas of clarity of thought and disciplined behavior, describing the inward stability produced when the mind is governed by truth and the passions are brought under control. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 26:25 places the term on Paul’s lips before Festus: “What I am saying is true and reasonable”. Here it describes the apostle’s orderly, rational testimony in contrast to the accusation of insanity. 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Timothy 2:15 apply the word to Christian women, linking it to modest attire (verse 9) and to perseverance in faith, love, and holiness (verse 15). In each case σωφροσύνη guards outer conduct by an inner sobriety that honors the gospel. Historical Background In classical Greek thought sophrosyne was prized as the virtue that kept a person “in their right mind,” curbing excess and preserving social harmony. By the first century it commonly referred to temperate self-government. The New Testament writers adopt the term yet relocate its source: rather than stemming from human philosophy or civic duty, genuine σωφροσύνη arises from a mind renewed by the Spirit (compare Romans 12:2) and anchored in the truth of the risen Christ (Acts 26:25). Theological Significance 1. Vindication of the gospel message. Paul’s appeal to “reasonable” words shows that the Christian proclamation is intellectually coherent. Far from irrational enthusiasm, the apostolic testimony rests on verifiable events—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—and invites careful examination. Practical Ministry Application • Preaching and Apologetics: Paul’s defense models a respectful, rational presentation of the faith. Ministries engaged in public discourse should emulate this sober clarity, appealing to both Scripture and reason. Relationship to Salvation and Sanctification In 1 Timothy 2:15 σωφροσύνη functions as the culminating evidence of a saving faith that perseveres. The verse does not teach works-based salvation; rather, it affirms that continued self-controlled living, empowered by grace, accompanies genuine belief (see Ephesians 2:10). Thus σωφροσύνη stands as both fruit and safeguard: fruit of regeneration and safeguard against moral shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). Links with Other Biblical Themes • Fruit of the Spirit: Though Galatians 5:23 uses ἐγκράτεια, both words share the sphere of Spirit-wrought discipline. Counsel for Contemporary Discipleship Modern culture celebrates impulse and spectacle. σωφροσύνη challenges this ethos by calling believers to regulated desires, thoughtful speech, and modest presentation—habits that direct attention to Christ rather than self. Practices such as Scripture meditation, corporate worship, and accountability relationships cultivate this virtue, enabling the church to display the “reasonableness” of the gospel in a fragmented world. Summary Strong’s Greek 4997 depicts the steadied mind and disciplined life produced by the truth of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. From Paul’s courtroom defense to instructions for everyday dress and domestic faithfulness, σωφροσύνη affirms that Christianity is both rationally convincing and morally transforming, offering a pattern of living that commends the gospel to every generation. Englishman's Concordance Acts 26:25 N-GFSGRK: 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 1 Timothy 2:15 N-GFS |
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