Lexical Summary phronimós: shrewdly Original Word: φρόνιμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wisely. Adverb from phronimos; prudently -- wisely. see GREEK phronimos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5430 phronímōs (an adverb) – shrewdly, as defined by one's own inner perspective ("personal insight" – literally, their "visceral opinion"). See 5429 (phronimos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from phronimos Definition sensibly NASB Translation shrewdly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5430: φρονίμωςφρονίμως, adverb, prudently, wisely: Luke 16:8. (From Aristophanes down.) Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Core Idea The term expresses practical wisdom that swiftly appraises a situation and chooses the most effective course of action. It is less speculative than “knowledge” and more ethically charged than mere “cleverness,” combining clear‐sighted perception with goal-directed resolve. Unique New Testament Occurrence Luke 16:8 records Jesus’ appraisal of the unrighteous steward: “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly” (Berean Standard Bible). The adverb turns the parable’s spotlight on the steward’s ability to read impending disaster, calculate the limited time left, and leverage present resources to secure a future welcome. Context within Luke 16 • The parable contrasts two economies: temporal wealth (“unrighteous mammon,” Luke 16:9) and eternal habitations. Old Testament Background Though the adverb itself is not in the Septuagint, its notion parallels Proverbs’ portraits of the “prudent” (Proverbs 22:3) and the prophetic call to “consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5). Wisdom literature consistently marries insight to action—seeing the danger, the prudent “hides himself,” while the simple “keep going and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12). Intercanonical Harmony 1 Thessalonians 5:6 urges believers to “stay awake and be sober,” echoing the steward’s vigilance. James 1:22 warns against hearing without doing. The principle behind φρονίμως reappears whenever Scripture weds alert perception to obedient response. Historical and Cultural Insights In first-century agrarian estates, stewards managed produce and debt records. Debtors’ promissory notes often inflated amounts to include steward commissions. Reducing the notes likely surrendered his personal cut, not the owner’s principal, explaining the owner’s begrudging commendation. Jesus appropriates this contemporary scenario to expose how even corrupted systems reward proactive planning—thereby shaming disciples who treat eternal riches casually. Theological Reflection • Human stewardship: Earthly possessions are entrusted, not owned (Psalm 24:1). Acting φρονίμως means leveraging them for the Owner’s interests. Practical Ministry Application 1. Financial discipleship: Encourage budgeting and sacrificial giving that consciously funds gospel outreach. Relation to Wisdom Literature and Jesus’ Teaching φρονίμως aligns with Jesus’ earlier instruction, “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). The balance is critical: foresight without purity degenerates into manipulation, while purity without foresight becomes ineffectual. Christological Significance Jesus Himself embodies consummate prudence. He knew “His hour had come” (John 13:1), orchestrated events to fulfill prophecy, and “set His face” toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). His followers imitate this purposeful clarity, guided by the Spirit who “will disclose to you what is to come” (John 16:13). Pastoral Implications Pastors should shepherd congregations toward a stewardship mindset, interpreting current trends through biblical prophecy, equipping believers to make timely, godly decisions, and modeling budgets and church ventures that prioritize eternal outcomes over immediate comfort. Summary Strong’s Greek 5430, appearing only in Luke 16:8, crystallizes the call to intelligent, future-oriented stewardship. Scripture commends not worldly cunning but sanctified prudence that recognizes the brevity of life, the certainty of judgment, and the surpassing worth of investing all for the advancing and eternal glory of the kingdom of God. Forms and Transliterations φρονιμως φρονίμως phronimos phronimōs phronímos phronímōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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