Strong's Lexicon sóphrón: Sober-minded, self-controlled, temperate, prudent Original Word: σώφρων Word Origin: Derived from the combination of two Greek words: "σῶς" (sos, meaning "safe" or "sound") and "φρήν" (phren, meaning "mind" or "understanding"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "sóphrón," the concept of self-control and wisdom can be related to Hebrew terms such as "חָכָם" (chakam, meaning "wise") and "בִּינָה" (binah, meaning "understanding"). Usage: The Greek adjective "sóphrón" conveys the idea of having a sound mind, being self-controlled, and exercising prudence and moderation. It is often used in the New Testament to describe a person who is disciplined in thought and action, exhibiting a balanced and rational approach to life. This term emphasizes the importance of inner restraint and the ability to govern one's desires and impulses in accordance with godly wisdom. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "sophrosyne" (the noun form related to sóphrón) was highly valued as a virtue. It was associated with self-control, moderation, and the ability to live in harmony with societal norms and expectations. In the context of early Christianity, this virtue was redefined to align with the teachings of Christ, emphasizing moral integrity and spiritual discipline as essential qualities for believers. HELPS Word-studies 4998 sṓphrōn (from sōos, "sound, safe" and 5424 /phrḗn, "inner outlook" which regulates outward behavior) – properly, safe (sound) because moderated, referring to what is prudent because correctly (divinely) balanced (which is far more than being "the middle of the road"). 4998 /sṓphrōn ("acting in God's definition of balance") makes someone genuinely temperate, i.e. well-balanced from God's perspective. True balance is not "one-size-fits-all" nor is it blandly static. Biblical moderation (4998 /sṓphrōn) describes "a man who does not command himself, but rather is commanded by God'" (K. Wuest, Word Studies, 2, 46). This root (sōphro-, "soundness") then reflects living in God-defined balance. [The root (phrēn) is the root of "diaphram," the inner organ (muscle) that regulates physical life, controlling breathing and heart beat. The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from sōos ("safe") and phrēn ("what regulates life"), which is the root of the English term "diaphram"). Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm which even controls the ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. Hence it regulates ("brings safety") to the body, keeping it properly controlled.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sózó and from phrén Definition of sound mind, self-controlled NASB Translation prudent (1), sensible (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4998: σώφρωνσώφρων, σωφρον (from σάος, contracted σῶς (cf. σῴζω, at the beginning), and φρήν, hence, the poetic σαοφρων; cf. ἄφρων, ταπεινόφρων, μεγαλόφρων) (from Homer down); a. of sound mind, sane, in one's senses (see σωφρονέω, a. and σωφροσύνη, a.). b. curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate (R. V. soberminded) ((ἐπιθυμεῖ ὁ σώφρων ὧν δεῖ καί ὡς δεῖ καί ὅτε, Aristot eth. Nic. 3, 15 at the end), see (σωφροσύνη, b.): 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:2, 5. STRONGS NT 4998a: τ [τ ,Tau: on the receding (ττ( in the vocabulary of the N. T. before (σς(, see under Sigma.] From the base of sozo and that of phren; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. Self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion) -- discreet, sober, temperate. see GREEK sozo see GREEK phren Englishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMSGRK: ἄνδρα νηφάλιον σώφρονα κόσμιον φιλόξενον NAS: temperate, prudent, respectable, KJV: vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, INT: husband sober self-controlled respectable hospitable Titus 1:8 Adj-AMS Titus 2:2 Adj-AMP Titus 2:5 Adj-AFP Strong's Greek 4998 |
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