Lexical Summary sóphroneó: To be of sound mind, to be self-controlled, to be sober-minded Original Word: σωφρονέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be in right mind, be sober mindedFrom sophron; to be of sound mind, i.e. Sane, (figuratively) moderate -- be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly. see GREEK sophron HELPS Word-studies 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.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom 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). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4993: σωφρονέωσωφρονέω, 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. Topical Lexicon Overview and Theological Significance Strong’s Greek 4993 marks a uniquely Christian concept of restored rationality under the lordship of Christ. It speaks not merely of level-headedness but of a redeemed mind that thinks in harmony with God’s revealed will, allowing believers to live prayer-filled, service-oriented, and mission-minded lives. Usage in the Synoptic Gospels: Restoration to Wholeness Mark 5:15 and Luke 8:35 record the Gerasene demoniac “sitting down, clothed and in his right mind.” His transformation testifies that true soundness of mind is a gift of grace, flowing from Christ’s authority over evil. The man becomes both a sign and a herald of the gospel, illustrating that deliverance produces mental clarity and readiness for witness. Pauline Exhortations: The Mind under Grace Romans 12:3 commands believers “to think with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given,” guarding the church from pride by calibrating self-perception to God’s gracious allotment of faith and gifts. 2 Corinthians 5:13 contrasts apostolic zeal—misread by opponents as madness—with deliberate, audience-oriented sobriety: “If we are of sound mind, it is for you.” Authentic ministry flexes between ecstatic devotion to God and considerate clarity toward people. Titus 2:6 singles out young men: “Encourage the young men to be self-controlled,” showing that balanced thinking is indispensable for emerging leaders facing passions and pressures. Eschatological Sobriety in Petrine Teaching 1 Peter 4:7 roots sober-mindedness in the nearness of the end: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.” Sound-minded prayer equips the church for the climactic appearance of Christ, aligning eschatology with disciplined intercession rather than speculation. Ministerial and Pastoral Application • Spiritual Warfare: Restoration of the demoniac reveals that evangelism and deliverance include mental renewal. Historical Reception in the Early Church Patristic writers often linked σωφρονέω to the Pauline virtue of “moderation.” The Shepherd of Hermas urges Christians to “keep a sound mind,” echoing apostolic warnings against distorted self-appraisal. Monastic tradition later built entire ascetic rules around maintaining νῆψις (watchfulness) and σωφροσύνη (self-restraint), recognizing that disciplined thoughts are the doorway to holy living. Conclusion Through its six New Testament occurrences, Strong’s 4993 weaves a theological thread: the gospel liberates and disciplines the mind, preparing saints for present service and imminent glory. A church that thinks rightly, prays earnestly, and lives modestly adorns the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. Forms and Transliterations 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 sōphronoûntaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 5:15 V-PPA-AMSGRK: ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα τὸν ἐσχηκότα NAS: clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had KJV: and in his right mind: and INT: clothed and of sound mind him who had Luke 8:35 V-PPA-AMS Romans 12:3 V-PNA 2 Corinthians 5:13 V-PIA-1P Titus 2:6 V-PNA 1 Peter 4:7 V-AMA-2P Strong's Greek 4993 |
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