Lexical Summary phrén: Mind, understanding, intellect Original Word: φρήν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance understanding. Probably from an obsolete phrao (to rein in or curb; compare phrasso); the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e. (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in the plural) the mind or cognitive faculties) -- understanding. see GREEK phrasso HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5424 phrḗn (a feminine noun) – properly, "the midriff (diaphragm), the parts around the heart" (J. Thayer); (figuratively) visceral (personal) opinion; what a person "really has in mind," i.e. inner outlook (mind-set, insight) that regulates outward behavior. See 5429 (phronimos). [5424 (phrḗn) is the root of the English term, "diaphragm," which regulates breathing.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition midriff, heart, mind, thought NASB Translation thinking (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5424: φρήνφρήν, φρενος, ἡ, plural φρένες, from Homer down, the Sept. several times in Proverbs for לֵב: 1. the midriff or diaphragm, the parts about the heart. 2. the mind; the faculty of perceiving and judging: also in the plural; as, 1 Corinthians 14:20. Strong’s 5424 draws attention to the inner faculty where thought, perception, and moral reflection converge. Scripture presents humanity as both spiritual and rational; therefore, the “mind” is never portrayed as a morally neutral data-processor. It is either yielded to God (Romans 8:6) or darkened by sin (Ephesians 4:17–18). The term behind 5424 highlights the seat of deliberate judgment, distinguishing it from mere instinct or emotion and setting a foundation for New Covenant teaching on renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2). Occurrences in the New Testament Paul employs the word twice in a single sentence: “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). By repeating the noun, he contrasts two modes of existence: naïve innocence toward evil versus grown-up discernment in congregational life. The immediate context is the use of spiritual gifts; the broader point is that Christian worship must arise from a mind trained by truth, not from childish fascination with the spectacular. Relation to Spiritual Maturity Paul’s call to be “mature in mind” assumes a developmental trajectory: believers move from infancy to adulthood through exposure to sound doctrine (Hebrews 5:12–14). Maturity is measured not by years in the faith but by the ability to evaluate teachings, govern impulses, and edify the body. The repetition of 5424 underscores that such maturity is cognitive, not merely emotional; it requires intentional cultivation. Historical and Theological Development Early church writers drew on 1 Corinthians 14:20 to balance mystical experience with doctrinal sobriety. Clement of Alexandria cited the verse to argue that true gnosis is inseparable from moral purity. Augustine appealed to it against the excesses of certain charismatic movements, insisting that the Spirit never bypasses the sanctified mind. The Reformers later used the passage to affirm that Scripture, illumined by the Spirit, equips believers with “sound reason sanctified,” guarding against both rationalism and anti-intellectualism. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Teaching ministries must aim at transforming the mind, not merely imparting information. Practical Application in the Local Church • Small-group studies can pair doctrinal lessons with case studies that exercise moral reasoning. Comparative Scriptural Usage Although 5424 itself appears only in 1 Corinthians 14:20, related forms (e.g., phroneo, phronema) illuminate its sphere: These parallels reinforce Paul’s expectation that cognitive renewal fuels practical holiness. Conclusion Strong’s 5424 concentrates the biblical vision of a mind redeemed for God’s glory. Paul’s twin use of the term calls every believer to childlike purity toward evil yet full-grown discernment in every other respect—a balance that safeguards both doctrinal fidelity and vibrant spiritual life. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 14:20 N-DFPGRK: γίνεσθε ταῖς φρεσίν ἀλλὰ τῇ NAS: do not be children in your thinking; yet KJV: children in understanding: howbeit INT: be in the minds but in the [regard to] 1 Corinthians 14:20 N-DFP |
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