4995. sóphronismos

Lexicon

sóphronismos: Self-discipline, sound mind, self-control

Original Word: σωφρονισμός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: sóphronismos
Pronunciation: so-fro-nee-SMOS
Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-is-mos')
Definition: Self-discipline, sound mind, self-control
Meaning: self-control, self-discipline, prudence.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sound mind.

From sophronizo; discipline, i.e. Self-control -- sound mind.

see GREEK sophronizo

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4995 (a masculine noun derived from 4998 /sṓphrōn, "truly moderate") – properly, safe-minded, issuing in prudent ("sensible") behavior that "fits" a situation, i.e. aptly acting out God's will by doing what He calls sound reasoning (used only in 2 Tim 1:7). See 4998 (sōphrōn).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from sóphronizó
Definition
self-control
NASB Translation
discipline (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4995: σωφρονισμός

σωφρονισμός, σωφρονισμοῦ, ὁ ((σωφρονίζω);

1. an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, to moderation and self-control: Josephus, Antiquities 17, 9, 2; b. j. 2, 1,3; Appendix, Pun. 8, 65; Aesop fab. 38; Plutarch; (Philo, legg. alleg. 3, 69).

2. self-control, moderation (σωφρονισμοι τινες ἤ μετανοιαι τῶν νέων, Plutarch, mor., p. 712 c. i. e. quaest. conviv. 8, 3): πνεῦμα σωφρονισμοῦ, 2 Timothy 1:7, where see Huther; (but Huther, at least in his later editions, takes the word transitively, equivalent to correction (R. V. discipline); see also Holtzmann at the passage).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb σωφρονίζω (sōphronizō), which means "to discipline" or "to correct."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σωφρονισμός, the concept of self-control and soundness of mind can be related to several Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas, such as תַּחְבּוּלָה (tachbulah • Strong's Hebrew 8458), which means "guidance" or "wise counsel," and מְזִמָּה (mezimmah • Strong's Hebrew 4209), meaning "discretion" or "prudence." These terms reflect the Old Testament emphasis on wisdom and disciplined living as foundational to a righteous life.

Usage: The word σωφρονισμός appears in the New Testament in the context of spiritual and moral discipline. It is used to describe the quality of having a sound mind and the ability to exercise self-control, particularly in the face of fear or temptation.

Context: The Greek term σωφρονισμός is found in the New Testament in 2 Timothy 1:7, where the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." (BSB) In this passage, σωφρονισμός is translated as "self-control," highlighting the importance of maintaining a disciplined and sound mind as a gift from God. This concept is crucial for believers, as it enables them to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by wisdom and restraint.

The idea of σωφρονισμός is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer. It is through the Spirit that Christians are empowered to overcome fear and exhibit a disciplined life. This self-control is not merely a human effort but a divine enablement that allows believers to align their thoughts and actions with God's will.

In the broader biblical context, σωφρονισμός is related to the virtues of wisdom and prudence, which are highly valued in both the Old and New Testaments. The disciplined mind is seen as essential for spiritual growth and maturity, enabling believers to discern truth from error and to live in a manner that reflects the character of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

σωφρονισμου σωφρονισμοῦ σωφρονισμόυ sophronismou sophronismoû sōphronismou sōphronismoû

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 1:7 N-GMS
GRK: ἀγάπης καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ
NAS: but of power and love and discipline.
KJV: of love, and of a sound mind.
INT: of love and of wise discretion

Strong's Greek 4995
1 Occurrence

σωφρονισμοῦ — 1 Occ.