σωφρονέω (sōphroneō)
sōphroneō
be of sound mind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sōphroneō describes a state of being "of sound mind," combining ideas of health and mental clarity. In the Gospels, it appears when Jesus casts out a demon from a man who then sits calmly at the feet of the Lord (Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35). This usage highlights a return to rational stability after chaos, contrasting sharply with being "out of one's mind." The word suggests that true sanity involves self-possession and freedom from destructive passions.
Beyond mental health, sōphroneō carries the weight of temperance and self-control. Paul uses it in Romans 12:3 to urge believers not to think too highly of themselves, but to exercise sober judgment about their own abilities. This links the concept of a healthy mind with humility and discipline. The term often appears alongside "sober-mindedness" or "self-control," as seen in Peter’s exhortation to be watchful (1 Peter 4:7) and Paul’s instruction for younger men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:6). It represents a balanced, disciplined life guided by reason rather than impulse.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word sōphroneō invites us to consider what it means to have a healthy mind. In the Gospels, we see this vividly when Jesus restores a man possessed by demons. The crowd finds him sitting calmly, clothed and in his right mind. This shift from chaos to clarity shows that true sanity is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of peace and self-possession.
Paul extends this idea beyond mental health into our daily conduct. In Romans, he urges believers to think with sober judgment, avoiding both arrogance and false humility. He suggests that a sound mind recognizes the gifts God has given us and uses them with discipline. This balance helps us navigate life’s demands without being swept away by impulse or pride.
When we seek this kind of mental clarity, we are asking for a gift that aligns our thoughts with God’s reality. It is a call to live with intention, grounded in grace rather than driven by fear or ego. May you find strength in this steady, clear-minded approach to your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we are sober-minded1×
- to be sober-minded,1×
- to be self-controlled,1×
- sound minded,1×
- do be clear-minded1×
- being of sound mind1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σωφρονεῖν,2×
- σωφρονήσατε1×
- σωφρονοῦντα,1×
- σωφρονοῦντα1×
- σωφρονοῦμεν,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:15
They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.
This verse provides the most vivid picture of the word, showing a man transformed from chaotic possession to calm, rational stability at Jesus' feet.
-
Romans 12:3
For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
Here Paul applies the term to spiritual humility, instructing believers to exercise sober judgment about their own abilities rather than thinking too highly of themselves.
-
I Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
Peter links being of sound mind directly to self-control and prayerful watchfulness as the end of all things draws near.