Lexical Summary phrontizó: To be thoughtful, to take care, to be concerned Original Word: φροντίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be careful. From a derivative of phren; to exercise thought, i.e. Be anxious -- be careful. see GREEK phren HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5431 phrontízō (ultimately from 5426 /phronéō, so J. Thayer etc., "acting out one's inner, visceral opinion") – properly, continuously connecting insight (enlightened inner perspective) to the necessary outward behavior (used only in Tit 3:8). See 5424 (phrēn). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phrontis (thought) Definition to give heed, take thought NASB Translation careful (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5431: φροντίζωφροντίζω; (φροντίς (`thought', from φρονέω)); from Theognis, and Herodotus down; to think, to be careful; to be thoughtful or anxious: followed by an infinitive Titus 3:8. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s 5431 centers on deliberate, sustained attention—an active, thoughtful concern that moves beyond mere mental assent to planned engagement. In the Scriptures this careful mindfulness is never self-directed; it is oriented toward works that glorify God and bless neighbor. Context in Titus 3:8 Paul writes, “This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphatically affirm these things, so that those who have believed God will be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.” (Titus 3:8). The verb expresses pastoral desire that saved people would habitually give strategic thought to good works. It is more than spontaneous charity; it is purposeful stewardship of redeemed life. Titus, left in Crete to “set in order what was unfinished” (Titus 1:5), must build a community where sound doctrine produces observable fruit. Paul therefore urges him to keep repeating the gospel’s trustworthy word, knowing that repetition nourishes a culture of intentional service. Theological Themes 1. Deliberate Discipleship: Salvation initiates a lifelong pattern of “careful devotion.” True belief births thoughtful obedience (compare Ephesians 2:8-10). Biblical Theology of Mindful Good Works Scripture frequently links intentional thought with ethical living. Historical Use in Greek Literature and the Septuagint Outside the New Testament, the term appears in classical sources for civic planning and military strategy—contexts where inattention carried grave cost. The Septuagint employs cognate forms when depicting wise rulers who “take thought” for their people (for example, 2 Maccabees 4:16). The biblical writer adapts this everyday vocabulary of prudent oversight, redirecting it toward the church’s mission. Implications for Ministry Pastors emulate Paul’s pattern: Neglect of careful consideration can lead to sporadic, ego-driven activism; Spirit-led reflection guards purity of motive and effectiveness. Application for Contemporary Believers • Schedule Grace: Budget time and resources intentionally for acts of mercy. Related Scriptures Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 5:25; Hebrews 13:16; James 2:17-18. Forms and Transliterations εφρόντισα φουρίμ φροντίδι φροντίδος φροντιεί φροντίζει φροντίζη φροντίζωσι φροντιζωσιν φροντίζωσιν φρουράν φρουράς phrontizosin phrontizōsin phrontízosin phrontízōsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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