νηφάλεος
nēpháleos
G3524 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Sober-minded; exercising self-control and clear judgment, free from intoxication or irrationality. In contexts, denotes mental and emotional steadiness, the capacity for disciplined restraint, and vigilance in thought and action. Figuratively, calls for a state of alertness, seriousness, and sound judgment, especially in matters of ethical, communal, or spiritual importance.
Semantic Range
sober-minded, self-controlled, clear-headed, vigilant, emotionally steady, rational, not intoxicated, prudent, disciplined
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb νήφω (nēphō), meaning 'to be sober, to abstain from wine.' The adjective νηφάλεος forms a descriptive quality denoting someone who is in a sober or clear-minded state. Cognate with the related noun νῆψις (nēpsis, sobriety, vigilance).
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus), νηφάλεος primarily described literal sobriety—abstaining from wine or strong drink. Over time, it acquired strong metaphorical connotations of mental composure, self-control, and seriousness, especially in philosophical, ethical, and later Jewish and early Christian literature. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:2, 11; Titus 2:2), it denotes not only abstaining from intoxication but, more significantly, the quality of a person who is vigilant, dignified, and not easily swayed by passion or distraction—qualities expected especially of communal leaders. English translations often render it as 'sober' or 'temperate,' but these may understate the sense of inward restraint and active, vigilant mindfulness implied in Koine usage. In the Septuagint, the term appears rarely, emphasizing the ideal of self-mastery. By the Roman period, the term's moral and psychological nuances had grown, making it a valued ethical attribute beyond mere abstinence from alcohol.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from νήφω; sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect:--sober.
Root Family
νήφ- (nēpháleos) — to be sober, to be self-controlled, to be vigilant
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3524-02 |
νηφαλίους | nephalious | ADJ.S ACC F PL |
sober | sober-minded ones | sober-minded | 2 |
G3524-01 |
νηφάλιον | nephalion | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
sober-minded | a sober-minded man | sober-minded | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3524-01 |
1 Timothy 3:2 | νηφάλιον | nephalion | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
sober-minded | a sober-minded man | sober-minded |
G3524-02 |
1 Timothy 3:11 | νηφαλίους | nephalious | ADJ.S ACC F PL |
temperate | sober-minded ones | sober-minded |
G3524-02 |
Titus 2:2 | νηφαλίους | nephalious | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
sober | sober-minded ones | sober-minded ones |