Lexical Summary néphó: To be sober, to be self-controlled, to be watchful Original Word: νήφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to be sober, to abstain from wineOf uncertain affinity: to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet -- be sober, watch. HELPS Word-studies 3525 nḗphō – properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.). 3525 /nḗphō ("be sober, unintoxicated") refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 3525 /nḗphō ("uninfluenced by intoxicants") means to have "one's wits (faculties) about them," which is the opposite of being irrational. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to be sober, to abstain from wine NASB Translation keep sober (1), sober (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3525: νήφωνήφω; 1 aorist imperative 2 person plural νήψατε; from Theognis, Sophocles, Xenophon down; to be sober; in the N. T. everywhere tropically, to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect: 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 5:8; εἰς τάς προσευχάς, unto (the offering of) prayer, 1 Peter 4:7. (Synonym: see ἀγρυπνέω; and on the word see Ellicott on Timothy, the passage cited Compare: ἀνανήφω, ἐκνήφω.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage and Context Strong’s 3525 appears six times in the New Testament, consistently urging believers to maintain spiritual sobriety in view of either present ministry demand or impending eschatological reality. Whether Paul addresses Timothy (“be sober in all things,” 2 Timothy 4:5), or calls the Thessalonian church to wakefulness (“let us remain awake and sober,” 1 Thessalonians 5:6), the verb joins alertness to self-restraint. Peter likewise frames every use within a setting of cosmic conflict or approaching consummation: “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). Major Theological Themes 1. Moral Clarity. Sobriety anchors ethical living in a world darkened by spiritual lethargy (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Connection with Watchfulness and Eschatology The verb often stands beside terms for “watch,” “pray,” or references to “the day.” Peter’s warning that “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7) echoes Christ’s Olivet exhortations (Matthew 24:42). Sobriety therefore functions as the believer’s posture between the “already” of Christ’s resurrection and the “not yet” of His return. Relationship to Spiritual Warfare 1 Peter 5:8 explicitly situates sobriety in battle against the devil. Alert self-command preserves the mind from deception, panic, or indulgence, enabling timely resistance (compare Ephesians 6:10-17). Without sobriety, armor is laid aside and prayer neglected. Historical Background and Greco-Roman Setting In first-century culture, literal intoxication and the revelry tied to pagan festivals symbolized societal decadence. Early Christians, often slandered as antisocial, embodied an alternative community marked by moderation. Their call to be νήφοντες distinguished them from surrounding excess and affirmed loyalty to the coming King rather than to Caesar’s banquets or Dionysian rites. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications • Discernment: sober minds sift teaching and cultural trends (1 John 4:1). Echoes in Early Church History Second-century apologists such as Athenagoras defended Christian sobriety as evidence of the Spirit’s sanctifying power. Monastic rules later institutionalized vigil-keeping, seeing continuous prayer as a practical outworking of νήφω. Reformers likewise emphasized the word’s relevance to watchfulness against doctrinal error. Contemporary Application Modern disciples encounter digital distraction, substance abuse, and ideological seductions. The New Testament summons to be νήφοντες still rescues believers from the numbing effect of consumer culture. Churches cultivate such sobriety by: In every age, the Spirit employs νήφω to shape a community that is awake, disciplined, and eagerly awaiting the appearing of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations νηφε νήφε νῆφε νηφοντες νήφοντες νηφωμεν νήφωμεν νηψατε νήψατε nephe nêphe nēphe nē̂phe nephomen nēphōmen nḗphomen nḗphōmen nephontes nēphontes nḗphontes nepsate nēpsate nḗpsateLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Thessalonians 5:6 V-PSA-1PGRK: γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν NAS: do, but let us be alert and sober. KJV: let us watch and be sober. INT: we should watch and we should be sober 1 Thessalonians 5:8 V-PSA-1P 2 Timothy 4:5 V-PMA-2S 1 Peter 1:13 V-PPA-NMP 1 Peter 4:7 V-AMA-2P 1 Peter 5:8 V-AMA-2P Strong's Greek 3525 |
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