σωφρονέω
sōphronéō
G4993 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be of sound mind, to think and act with self-control or moderation. In its primary sense, σωφρονέω describes the activity of exercising prudent and disciplined judgment, being sensible in decision-making, and restraining impulses. The word can also convey being in one's right mind (as opposed to insanity or frenzy), especially in contrast to unrestrained behavior or irrationality. In moral or ethical contexts, it emphasizes moderation and sobriety of judgment, often with a connotation of balanced, thoughtful living.
Semantic Range
to be of sound mind, to be sane, to exercise self-control, to be sober-minded, to act sensibly, to be moderate; in own right mind (contrasted with madness or frenzy)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the adjective σώφρων (sōphrōn, 'of sound mind, self-controlled'), from σῶς ('safe, sound, whole') + φρήν ('mind, understanding').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σωφρονέω typically denotes having self-control, being prudent, or exercising sound judgment, often regarded as a key civic and personal virtue (σωφροσύνη). In the Septuagint, the verb is rarer, usually rendering Hebrew terms for prudence or wisdom. In the New Testament, it appears primarily in contexts emphasizing moderation, temperance, or 'sober-mindedness,' especially in pastoral epistles where it is a qualification for leadership and right conduct (e.g. 2 Corinthians 5:13, Titus 2:6). English translations such as 'be in right mind,' 'be sober(-minded),' or 'be sensible' each capture aspects of the word's meaning but may overlook its deep association with classical ideals of self-mastery and prudent thought. σωφρονέω stands in contrast to terms describing folly, excess, or madness and should be distinguished from related words such as φρονέω ('to think') and νήφω ('to be sober, abstain from drunkenness'), with which it sometimes overlaps in describing ethical balance and rational thought.
Translation Consistency
This phrase best captures the primary sense of σωφρονέω — to be of sound mind, sober, and self-controlled. It is the natural, common English rendering used in many translations and covers the semantic range (sane, sensible, moderate, disciplined) more fully than a generic verb like “be” or a lone adjective. Using “be sober-minded” keeps the translation natural and consistent for all forms of this lemma.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σώφρων; to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate:--be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.
Root Family
σωφρον- (sōphronéō) — to be of sound mind, to be self-controlled, to be moderate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4994 | σωφρονίζω | they may instill self-control |
| G4995 | σωφρονισμός | of sound-minded discipline |
| G4996 | σωφρόνως | with sound mind |
| G4997 | σωφροσύνη | of sound-minded self-control |
| G4998 | σώφρων | a sound-minded man |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4993-01 |
σωφρονεῖν | sophronein | V PRS ACT INF |
sober judgment | to be of sound mind | to be sober-minded | 2 |
G4993-04 |
σωφρονοῦντα | sophronounta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG |
in his right mind | being of sound mind | being of sound mind | 2 |
G4993-02 |
σωφρονήσατε | sophronesate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
be self-controlled | Be sound-minded | Be sound-minded | 1 |
G4993-03 |
σωφρονοῦμεν | sophronoumen | V PRS ACT IND 1P PL |
we are of sound mind | we are self-controlled | we are of sound mind | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4993-04 |
Mark 5:15 | σωφρονοῦντα | sophronounta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG |
in his right mind | being of sound mind | being of sound mind |
G4993-04 |
Luke 8:35 | σωφρονοῦντα | sophronounta | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG |
in his right mind | being of sound mind | being sober-minded |
G4993-01 |
Romans 12:3 | σωφρονεῖν | sophronein | V PRS ACT INF |
sober judgment | to be of sound mind | to be sober-minded |
G4993-03 |
2 Corinthians 5:13 | σωφρονοῦμεν | sophronoumen | V PRS ACT IND 1P PL |
we are of sound mind | we are self-controlled | we are of sound mind |
G4993-01 |
Titus 2:6 | σωφρονεῖν | sophronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to be self-controlled | to be of sound mind | to be sober-minded |
G4993-02 |
1 Peter 4:7 | σωφρονήσατε | sophronesate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
be self-controlled | Be sound-minded | Be sound-minded |