Lexical Summary phroneó: To think, to set one's mind on, to have a mindset Original Word: φρονέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to thinkFrom phren; to exercise the mind, i.e. Entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience) -- set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think. see GREEK phren HELPS Word-studies 5426 phronéō (from 5424 /phrḗn, "the midriff or diaphragm; the parts around the heart," J. Thayer) – properly, regulate (moderate) from within, as inner-perspective (insight) shows itself in corresponding, outward behavior. 5426 (phronéō) essentially equates to personal opinion fleshing itself out in action (see J. Thayer). This idea is difficult to translate into English because it combines the visceral and cognitive aspects of thinking. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phrén Definition to have understanding, to think NASB Translation adopt...view (1), conceited* (1), concern (1), concerned (1), feel (1), have...attitude (3), intent on...purpose (1), live in harmony (1), mind (4), observes (2), set their minds (2), set your mind (1), setting your mind (2), think (3), views (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5426: φρονέωφρονέω, φρόνῳ; imperfect, 1 person singular ἐφρόνουν, 2 person plural ἐφρονεῖτε; future 2 person plural φρονήσετε; present passive imperative 3 person singular φρονείσθω, Philippians 2:5 R G (see 3 below); (φρήν); from Homer down; 1. to have understanding, be wise (Homer, others). 2. to feel, to think: absolutely ὡς νήπιος ἐφρόνουν, 1 Corinthians 13:11; to have an opinion of oneself, think of oneself: μή ὑπερφρονεῖν παῥ ὁ δεῖ φρονεῖν, Romans 12:3 (μεῖζον φρονεῖν ἤ κατ' ἄνδρα, Sophocles Ant. 768); φρονεῖν εἰς τό σωφρονεῖν (R. V. so to think as to think soberly), to be modest, not to let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty, ibid.; ὑπέρ ὁ γέγραπται, in one's opinion of oneself to go beyond the standard prescribed in Scripture, 1 Corinthians 4:6 R G (cf. Buttmann, 394f (338); Winers Grammar, § 64,4). with an accusative of the thing, to think, judge: ἅ φρονεῖς, what your opinion is, Acts 28:22; οὐδέν ἄλλο, Galatians 5:10; τί ἑτέρως, Philippians 3:15; several persons are said φρονεῖν τό αὐτό, to be of the same mind, i. e. to agree together, cherish the same views, be harmonious: 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 2:2; Philippians 3:16 Rec.; 3. to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek or strive for; τά τίνος, to seek one's interests or advantage; to be of one's party, side with him (in public affairs, Additions to Esther 8:5 Strong’s Greek 5426, appearing in varied forms twenty-six times, describes an interior posture that guides outward behavior. More than mere cognition, it involves the settled disposition of the will—what one “sets the heart on.” In Scripture the verb often answers the question, “Where is your mind anchored?” and so serves as a diagnostic of spiritual health. Biblical Distribution and Patterns 1. Pauline Letters (nineteen occurrences) – Paul employs the term to shape congregational life and personal discipleship. It ranges from individual self-assessment (Romans 12:3) to corporate unity (Philippians 2:2). Across these settings the verb swings on a hinge: mind fixed on God’s purposes or mind imprisoned in earthly impulses. Orientation Toward God Positive uses emphasize harmony with God’s will: Orientation Toward the Flesh Negative instances reveal minds warped by self-interest: These texts portray wrong thinking as the seedbed of rebellion, proving that theology of mind is moral, not merely intellectual. Christological Center Philippians 2:5 anchors every discussion: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” The verb calls believers to reproduce the self-emptying attitude of the Incarnate Son. The ensuing hymn (Philippians 2:6-11) supplies concrete content—humility, obedience, sacrificial service—establishing Christ as both model and motive for renewed thinking. Ecclesial Harmony and Mutual Care Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche “to agree in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2). The same directive (phronein) that summons lofty theological reflection also addresses relational fracture. Likewise, Philippians 4:10 commends the Philippians’ “concern” for Paul, proving that right-mindedness expresses itself in tangible support for gospel partners. Transformation and Sanctification Romans 12:3-16 threads the verb through a series of exhortations: sober self-assessment, harmony, humility, and impartial fellowship. Renewed minds (Romans 12:2, using the cognate nous) lead to renewed community (phroneo). Sanctification, therefore, is holistic—inner reorientation manifesting in counter-cultural living. Historical Reflections • Early Church – Chrysostom linked Philippians 2:5 with unity, arguing that common doctrine must yield common attitude. Across centuries, expositors have seen 5426 as the biblical answer to the perennial question, “How then shall we think?” Pastoral and Missional Implications 1. Discipleship – Curriculum must move beyond information transfer to the cultivation of Christ-like attitudes. Summary Strong’s 5426 spans intellect, emotion, and will. It calls believers to align every inner disposition with the character and purposes of God revealed in Jesus Christ, producing unified, humble, mission-focused communities whose outward life testifies to an inward mind set on things above. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 16:23 V-PIA-2SGRK: ὅτι οὐ φρονεῖς τὰ τοῦ NAS: You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's KJV: unto me: for thou savourest not INT: for not your thoughts are of the things Mark 8:33 V-PIA-2S Acts 28:22 V-PIA-2S Romans 8:5 V-PIA-3P Romans 11:20 V-PMA-2S Romans 12:3 V-PNA Romans 12:3 V-PNA Romans 12:16 V-PPA-NMP Romans 12:16 V-PPA-NMP Romans 14:6 V-PPA-NMS Romans 14:6 V-PIA-3S Romans 15:5 V-PNA 1 Corinthians 13:11 V-IIA-1S 2 Corinthians 13:11 V-PMA-2P Galatians 5:10 V-FIA-2P Philippians 1:7 V-PNA Philippians 2:2 V-PSA-2P Philippians 2:2 V-PPA-NMP Philippians 2:5 V-PMA-2P Philippians 3:15 V-PSA-1P Philippians 3:15 V-PIA-2P Philippians 3:19 V-PPA-NMP Philippians 4:2 V-PNA Philippians 4:10 V-PNA Philippians 4:10 V-IIA-2P Strong's Greek 5426 |
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