σώφρων
sṓphrōn
G4998 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily, of sound mind, prudent, exercising self-control and moderation. Denotes possessing one's faculties, being reasonable, with a balanced judgment. In extended use, refers to individuals who are disciplined in thought and behavior, avoiding excess, and choosing actions based on wisdom rather than impulse.
Semantic Range
of sound mind, self-controlled, moderate, sensible, prudent, sober-minded, disciplined
Root / Etymology
Formed from σῶς ('safe, sound, healthy') and φρήν ('mind, understanding, intellect'), hence 'of sound mind.' The compound carries the inherited sense of healthiness and clarity in mental disposition. Earliest forms in classical Greek attest the same basic elements.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σώφρων marked a central virtue: the ability to act with moderation and wise restraint, representing self-mastery as opposed to irrationality or excess. In philosophical contexts (e.g., Plato, Aristotle), it indicates balanced character and the ethical ideal of self-governance (σωφροσύνη). In Hellenistic and New Testament usage, σώφρων retains this sense, describing individuals who are prudent, sensible, and in control of desires and impulses. In the Septuagint, it is used to translate Hebrew terms for wisdom and self-control. New Testament usage (e.g., 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8) emphasizes moderation, sobriety, and a character rooted in reasoned judgment, often as a qualification for leadership. Standard English translations like 'temperate,' 'sensible,' or 'prudent' capture aspects of the word but may miss its connotation of internal discipline and reasoned self-restraint. The term contrasts with ἄφρων ('foolish, lacking reason') and parallels the ethical ideal of σωφροσύνη ('self-control, prudence').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of σώζω and that of φρήν; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):--discreet, sober, temperate.
Root Family
σώφρων (sōphrōn) — of sound mind, prudent, self-controlled, moderate
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4998-01 |
σώφρονα | sophrona | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
sensible | a sound-minded man | a sound-minded man | 2 |
G4998-02 |
σώφρονας | sophronas | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
self-controlled | sound-minded ones | sound-minded ones | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4998-01 |
1 Timothy 3:2 | σώφρονα | sophrona | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
sensible | a sound-minded man | sound-minded |
G4998-01 |
Titus 1:8 | σώφρονα | sophrona | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
sensible | a sound-minded man | a sound-minded man |
G4998-02 |
Titus 2:2 | σώφρονας | sophronas | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
sensible | sound-minded ones | sound-minded ones |
G4998-02 |
Titus 2:5 | σώφρονας | sophronas | ADJ.S ACC F PL |
self-controlled | sound-minded ones | sound-minded ones |