Strong's Lexicon néphalios: Sober, temperate, self-controlled Original Word: νηφάλιος Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb "νήφω" (néphō), meaning "to be sober" or "to abstain from wine." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "néphalios," the concept of sobriety and self-control can be related to Hebrew terms like "שָׁקַט" (shaqat - to be quiet or at rest) and "סָרִיס" (saris - often translated as "eunuch," but also used metaphorically for self-control). Usage: The term "néphalios" is used in the New Testament to describe a state of sobriety and self-control, particularly in relation to abstaining from excessive wine consumption. It conveys the idea of being clear-minded and vigilant, qualities that are essential for spiritual leadership and maturity. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, excessive drinking and indulgence were common, especially in social and religious contexts. The call to be "néphalios" was counter-cultural, urging believers to live distinctively by exercising self-control and maintaining a clear mind. This was particularly important for leaders in the early church, who were expected to set an example of godly living. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3524 nēpháleos (an adjective, derived from 3525 /nḗphō, "to be sober") – properly, not intoxicated, free from negative influences (intoxicants); (figuratively) clear-minded; circumspect ("sober"), free from life-dominating influences. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom néphó Definition sober NASB Translation temperate (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3524: νηφαλέοςνηφαλέος (so Rec.st in 1 Timothy 3:2, 11 (where Rec.bez νηφαλαιος), after a later form) and νηφάλιος (alone well attested (Hort)), νηφάλεον (in Greek authors generally of three term.; from νήφω), sober, temperate; abstaining from wine, either entirely (Josephus, Antiquities 3, 12, 2) or at least from its immoderate use: 1 Timothy 3:2, 11; Titus 2:2. (In secular authors, especially Aeschylus and Plutarch, of things free from all infusion or addition of wine, as vessels, offerings, etc.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sober. Or nephalios (nay-fal'-ee-os) from nepho; sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect -- sober. see GREEK nepho Forms and Transliterations νηφαλιον νηφάλιον νηφαλιους νηφαλίους nephalion nephálion nēphalion nēphálion nephalious nephalíous nēphalious nēphalíousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:2 N-AMSGRK: γυναικὸς ἄνδρα νηφάλιον σώφρονα κόσμιον NAS: wife, temperate, prudent, KJV: wife, vigilant, sober, INT: wife husband sober self-controlled respectable 1 Timothy 3:11 Adj-AMP Titus 2:2 Adj-AMP Strong's Greek 3524 |
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