Original Word: φρόνιμος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: phronimos
Pronunciation: fro'-nee-mos
Phonetic Spelling: (fron'-ee-mos)
KJV: wise(-r)
NASB: prudent, wise, sensible, more shrewd, shrewd, wise men
Word Origin: [from G5424 (φρήν - thinking)]

1. thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character)
2. in a bad sense, conceited (also in the comparative)
{while G4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement}

wise

From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while sophos denotes practical skill or acumen; and sunetos indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative) -- wise(-r).

see GREEK phren

see GREEK sophos

see GREEK sunetos

Cognate: 5429 phrónimos (an adjective, derived from 5424 /phrḗn, "personal perspective regulating outward behavior," and the root of the English term "diaphragm" which controls key body functions from the inside out) – properly, "how we size things up," reflecting our personal ("visceral") opinions, i.e. what we consider "savvy" (smart). This always roots to our personal perspective ("inner outlook") which regulates our definition of being "shrewd," i.e. reflects personal mind-set (insight). See 5426 (phroneō).

Word Origin
from phroneó
Definition
practically wise, sensible
NASB Translation
more shrewd (1), prudent (5), sensible (2), shrewd (1), wise (4), wise men (1).

STRONGS NT 5429: φρόνιμος

φρόνιμος, φρόνιμον (φρονέω);

a. intelligent, wise (so A. V. uniformly): 1 Corinthians 10:15; opposed to μωρός, 1 Corinthians 4:10; opposed to Ἄφρον, 2 Corinthians 11:19; φρόνιμος παῥ ἑαυτῷ, one who deems himself wise (A. V. wise in one's own conceits), Romans 11:25; Romans 12:16, (Proverbs 3:7).

b. prudent, i. e. mindful of one's interests: Matthew 10:16; Matthew 24:45; Luke 12:42; opposed to μωρός, Matthew 7:24 (cf. ); f comparitive φρονιμώτερος, Luke 16:8. (From Sophocles, Xenophon, Plato down; the Sept. for נָבון, חָכָם, מֵבִין.) (Synonym: see σοφός, at the end.)

Definition and Concept

“Phronimos” conveys practical, discerning wisdom that skillfully applies knowledge to present circumstances. Unlike speculative intellect, it is wisdom proven by action, foresight, and moral integrity. Scripture consistently contrasts it with “moros” (“foolish”), highlighting the ethical dimension: the wise live in accordance with divine revelation, whereas the foolish neglect it.

Old Testament Antecedents

The nuance of prudent wisdom is foreshadowed in Hebrew terms such as “ḥākām” (wise) and “śākal” (act wisely). Joseph (Genesis 41:39), Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3), and the ant (Proverbs 6:6–8) model the same qualities later affirmed by “phronimos”: attentiveness to God’s word, anticipation of future need, and decisive, righteous action.

Usage in the Teaching of Jesus

1. Foundation for Life (Matthew 7:24). The wise man hears and does Christ’s words, illustrating that obedience is the essence of prudence.
2. Missional Strategy (Matthew 10:16). “Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” unites strategic awareness with moral purity, guiding evangelistic conduct amid hostility.
3. Eschatological Readiness (Matthew 24:45; Matthew 25:2–9; Luke 12:42). The faithful steward and the sensible virgins embody vigilant stewardship. Wisdom is measured by preparedness for the Master’s return, not by intellectual grasp alone.
4. Worldly Contrast (Luke 16:8). Jesus laments that “the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light,” urging believers to manifest equal diligence in eternal matters.

Pauline Applications

1. Humility and Unity (Romans 11:25; Romans 12:16). Paul warns Gentile believers “so that you will not be conceited, but understanding this mystery,” and exhorts, “Do not be conceited, but associate with the lowly.” True prudence rejects arrogance and preserves corporate harmony.
2. Apostolic Irony (1 Corinthians 4:10). “We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ.” The apostle contrasts worldly perceptions with gospel reality, exposing Corinthian pride.
3. Communal Discernment (1 Corinthians 10:15). “I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.” Prudence equips the church to assess doctrinal and ethical issues.
4. Vigilance against Deception (2 Corinthians 11:19). Corinth’s self-perceived wisdom left them vulnerable to false apostles, proving that genuine prudence must be tethered to apostolic truth.

Theological Significance

Phronimos encapsulates the biblical harmony of cognition, volition, and action. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and culminates in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom” (Colossians 2:3). The term therefore underscores:
• Revelation: God’s word is the source and standard of true prudence.
• Redemption: Christ embodies divine wisdom, offering both example and empowerment.
• Regeneration: The Spirit grants believers the capacity to live wisely, fulfilling new-covenant promises (Jeremiah 31:33).

Historical and Ministry Significance

Early church catechesis employed parables of the wise builder and virgins to prepare converts for persecution and the Parousia. Patristic writers (e.g., Chrysostom) linked phronimos to spiritual watchfulness and almsgiving. Throughout Christian history, reformers and missionaries have appealed to prudent strategy balanced with uncompromised holiness—echoing Matthew 10:16—to navigate cultural opposition.

In pastoral ministry today, phronimos guides:
• Preaching—applying timeless truth to contemporary life.
• Leadership—making foresighted decisions that safeguard doctrine and flock.
• Stewardship—budgeting, planning, and risk assessment anchored in faith.
• Apologetics—answering skeptics with both clarity and grace.

Conclusion

“Phronimos” challenges every believer to marry insight with action, preparedness with purity, and humility with confidence in God’s revelation. The wise live expectantly, stewarding present resources for eternal outcomes, ever mindful that “the Master is coming” (Luke 12:43).

φρονίμην φρονιμοι φρόνιμοι φρονιμοις φρονίμοις φρόνιμον φρονιμος φρόνιμος φρονίμου φρονίμους φρονιμω φρονίμω φρονίμῳ φρονιμώτατος φρονιμωτεροι φρονιμώτεροι φρονιμώτερος phronimo phronimō phronimoi phronímoi phronímōi phrónimoi phronimois phronímois phronimos phrónimos phronimoteroi phronimōteroi phronimṓteroiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts