Lexical Summary sóphrón: Sober-minded, self-controlled, temperate, prudent Original Word: σώφρων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance discreet, sober, temperate. From the base of sozo and that of phren; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. Self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion) -- discreet, sober, temperate. see GREEK sozo see GREEK phren HELPS Word-studies 4998 sṓphrōn (from sōos, "sound, safe" and 5424 /phrḗn, "inner outlook" which regulates outward behavior) – properly, safe (sound) because moderated, referring to what is prudent because correctly (divinely) balanced (which is far more than being "the middle of the road"). 4998 /sṓphrōn ("acting in God's definition of balance") makes someone genuinely temperate, i.e. well-balanced from God's perspective. True balance is not "one-size-fits-all" nor is it blandly static. Biblical moderation (4998 /sṓphrōn) describes "a man who does not command himself, but rather is commanded by God'" (K. Wuest, Word Studies, 2, 46). This root (sōphro-, "soundness") then reflects living in God-defined balance. [The root (phrēn) is the root of "diaphram," the inner organ (muscle) that regulates physical life, controlling breathing and heart beat. The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from sōos ("safe") and phrēn ("what regulates life"), which is the root of the English term "diaphram"). Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm which even controls the ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. Hence it regulates ("brings safety") to the body, keeping it properly controlled.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sózó and from phrén Definition of sound mind, self-controlled NASB Translation prudent (1), sensible (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4998: σώφρωνσώφρων, σωφρον (from σάος, contracted σῶς (cf. σῴζω, at the beginning), and φρήν, hence, the poetic σαοφρων; cf. ἄφρων, ταπεινόφρων, μεγαλόφρων) (from Homer down); a. of sound mind, sane, in one's senses (see σωφρονέω, a. and σωφροσύνη, a.). b. curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate (R. V. soberminded) ((ἐπιθυμεῖ ὁ σώφρων ὧν δεῖ καί ὡς δεῖ καί ὅτε, Aristot eth. Nic. 3, 15 at the end), see (σωφροσύνη, b.): 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:2, 5. STRONGS NT 4998a: τ [τ ,Tau: on the receding (ττ( in the vocabulary of the N. T. before (σς(, see under Sigma.] Strong’s Greek 4998 describes the virtue of a balanced, disciplined mind that governs passions in harmony with God’s standards. It is not mere restraint but a spiritual sobriety that keeps thought, emotion, and behavior within the boundaries of divine wisdom. Scripture consistently presents it as a grace produced by the Spirit and expressed in deliberate, reasoned choices that honor the gospel. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:2; Titus 2:5 In every instance the word appears in lists of qualities that authenticate Christian witness. Whether addressing overseers, elders, older men, or younger women, the apostle Paul treats this virtue as indispensable to the church’s health and mission. Church Leadership and Oversight (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) For overseers and elders, self-possession is non-negotiable. The church entrusts her shepherds with doctrine, discipline, and example. Without disciplined thought and appetite, authority quickly degrades into abuse or error. Paul therefore places the term beside “above reproach,” “hospitable,” and “disciplined,” indicating that a stable, sane mind is as essential as moral purity or theological soundness. “An overseer, then, must be above reproach… temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” (1 Timothy 3:2) The absence of this quality would leave leadership reactive, impulsive, and prone to extremes, undermining both instruction and correction. Pattern for Christian Maturity (Titus 2:2) Older men serve as living illustrations of long-term discipleship. Paul charges them: “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance.” (Titus 2:2) Self-control anchors the triad of faith, love, and perseverance. A sound mind keeps doctrinal fidelity, brotherly affection, and endurance from drifting into fanaticism, sentimentality, or resignation. The church that values seasoned believers for their calm, thoughtful steadiness guards itself against the ebb and flow of cultural tides. Women as Guardians of the Word’s Honor (Titus 2:5) Paul urges younger women “to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.” (Titus 2:5) Here the virtue safeguards the reputation of the gospel in the domestic sphere. By exercising disciplined judgment in speech, spending, sexuality, and schedule, women display the transforming power of grace in everyday life. The result is missionary: outsiders find no legitimate charge to level against God’s word. Historical Reception in the Early Church Early Christian writers echoed Paul. Clement of Rome praised leaders who were “sober-minded,” contrasting them with the factional and impulsive. The Shepherd of Hermas lists self-control among traits that fortify the “tower” of the church. By the second century the term appears in baptismal catechesis, instructing converts to turn from the frenzy of pagan festivals to a distinctly Christian poise. Spiritual Dynamics 1. Origin in Regeneration: A renewed mind (Romans 12:2) furnishes the capacity; the Spirit produces the fruit (Galatians 5:23). Pastoral and Discipleship Implications • Leadership pipelines must assess candidates for emotional balance and doctrinal stability, not talent alone. Missional Significance A congregation characterized by this virtue offers a compelling apologetic. In a culture of excess and volatility, believers who think clearly, curb impulses, and act with measured conviction become signposts to the living Christ. As Paul told Titus, such lives cause opponents to “be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:8). Summary Strong’s Greek 4998 denotes the Spirit-enabled posture of sober, disciplined judgment. Manifested in leaders, seasoned saints, and homes alike, it protects doctrine, strengthens relationships, and advances the gospel’s credibility. Wherever the church cultivates this virtue, she shines with the stable light of Christ in an unsteady world. Englishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMSGRK: ἄνδρα νηφάλιον σώφρονα κόσμιον φιλόξενον NAS: temperate, prudent, respectable, KJV: vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, INT: husband sober self-controlled respectable hospitable Titus 1:8 Adj-AMS Titus 2:2 Adj-AMP Titus 2:5 Adj-AFP Strong's Greek 4998 |
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