Original Word: σωφρονέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sóphroneó
Pronunciation: so-fro-NEH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-eh'-o)
Definition: To be of sound mind, to be self-controlled, to be sober-minded
Meaning: I am of sound mind, am sober-minded, exercise self-control.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words "sōphrōn" (meaning sound or safe) and "phrēn" (meaning mind or understanding).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "sóphroneó," the concept of self-control and sound judgment can be related to Hebrew words like "בִּינָה" (binah - understanding) and "חָכְמָה" (chokmah - wisdom).

Usage: The verb "sóphroneó" conveys the idea of having a sound mind, exercising self-control, and being sober-minded. It implies a balanced and disciplined approach to life, where one's thoughts and actions are governed by wisdom and prudence. In the New Testament, it often refers to the Christian virtue of self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "sophrosyne" (the noun form related to "sóphroneó") was highly valued as a virtue representing moderation, self-control, and rational thinking. It was considered essential for personal and civic life, contributing to the well-being of both the individual and society. In the context of early Christianity, this virtue was redefined to align with the teachings of Christ, emphasizing spiritual sobriety and moral integrity.

Cognate: 4993 sōphronéō – properly, safety-minded; having a sober outlook that reflects true balance.

For the believer, 4993 /sōphronéō ("think shrewdly") reflects what God defines is true moderation. This God-controlled perspective blends the extremities of truth on both sides of a matter. See 4998 (sōphrōn).

[The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from two words: sōos ("safe") and phrēn ("what regulates life," the root of the English term, "diaphram").

Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm, which even controls our ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. This regulates ("brings safety") to the body, keeping it properly controlled.]

Word Origin
from sóphrón
Definition
to be of sound mind, i.e. to be temperate
NASB Translation
have sound judgment (1), right mind (2), sensible (1), sound judgment (1), sound mind (1).

STRONGS NT 4993: σωφρονέω

σωφρονέω, σωφρόνω; 1 aorist imperative σωφρονήσατε; (σώφρων, which see); from Tragg., Xenophon, Plato down; to be of sound mind, i. e.

a. to be in one's right mind: of one who has ceased δαιμονίζεσθαι, Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; opposed to ἐκστηναι, 2 Corinthians 5:13, (the σωφρονων and μανεις are contrasted in Plato, de rep. i., p. 331 c.; σωφρονουσαι and μανεισαι, Phaedr., p. 244 b.; ὁ μεμηνως ... ἐσωφρονησε, Apollod. 3, 5, 1, 6).

b. to exercise self-control; i. e. α. to put a moderate estimate upon oneself, think of oneself soberly: opposed to ὑπερφρονεῖν, Romans 12:3. β. to curb one's passions, Titus 2:6; joined with νήφω (as in Lucian, Nigrin. 6) (R. V. be of sound mind and be sober), 1 Peter 4:7.

be in right mind, be sober minded

From sophron; to be of sound mind, i.e. Sane, (figuratively) moderate -- be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.

see GREEK sophron

σωφρονειν σωφρονείν σωφρονεῖν σωφρονησατε σωφρονήσατε σωφρονουμεν σωφρονούμεν σωφρονοῦμεν σωφρονουντα σωφρονούντα σωφρονοῦντα sophronein sophroneîn sōphronein sōphroneîn sophronesate sophronḗsate sōphronēsate sōphronḗsate sophronoumen sophronoûmen sōphronoumen sōphronoûmen sophronounta sophronoûnta sōphronounta sōphronoûntaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts