Greek · G4993 · unreviewed

σωφρονέω

Be of sound mind

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

σωφρονέω G4993
Pronunciation sōphronéō

What does σωφρονέω (sōphronéō) mean in the Bible?

σωφρονέω (sōphronéō) is a Greek word meaning "be of sound mind". σωφρονέω, -ῶ (σώφρων), __(a) to be of sound mind or in one's right mind: Mrk. Calls believers to balanced humility in evaluating themselves.

Full entry for σωφρονέω (G4993) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

be of sound mind
Extended definition

Rational self-control exercised in mind and behavior, rejecting both ecstatic excess and arrogant overestimation.

(σώφρων),

ato be of sound mind or in one's right mind: Mrk.5:15, Luk.8:35; opposite to ἐκστῆναι, 2Co.5:13 (Hdt.);
bto be temperate, discreet, self-controlled (opposite to μαίνεσθαι, ὑβρίζειν, etc.; sch., Thuc., al.): Tit.2:6; opposite to ὑπερφρονεῖν, Rom.12:3; σ. καὶ νήφειν, 1Pe.4:7.
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Calls believers to balanced humility in evaluating themselves. Luke 8:26–39
Demonstrates full restoration of human dignity and sanity. Romans 12:3-8
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Present Aorist
Voices
Active
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality
Present Active Mark 5:15 · Luke 8:35
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract
Present Active Rom 12:3 · Titus 2:6
Indicative states a fact or reality
Present Active 2 Cor 5:13
Imperative command or strong request
Aorist Active 1 Pet 4:7
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 5 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
ongoing 1 infinitive 2 participle 2
Tense
present 5
Voice
active 5
Mood
participle 2 infinitive 2 indicative 1

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Biblical Occurrences
Appears In
Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources