φρονέω (phroneō)
phroneō
to reason
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phroneō describes the direction and quality of one’s thinking, rooted in the Greek word for "mind" or "heart." It goes beyond simple intellectual calculation to describe a settled attitude or disposition. In the New Testament, it often contrasts two different ways of viewing reality, such as when Jesus rebukes Peter for thinking human thoughts rather than divine ones (Matthew 16:23). This usage highlights that what we think shapes who we are.
A key feature of this word is its emphasis on communal harmony. Paul frequently urges believers to "have the same mind" or be "likeminded," calling for unity in purpose and outlook rather than mere agreement (Philippians 2:2; Romans 12:16). The sources note that this mental alignment is practical, influencing how Christians treat one another and prioritize their values. It is a call to align one’s inner life with the character of Christ.
Translators often render phroneō as "mind," "think," or "set your affection on," depending on context. The word carries significant theological weight in passages like Romans 8:5, where it distinguishes between those dominated by the flesh and those led by the Spirit. Ultimately, it points to a mindset that seeks heavenly things rather than earthly ones (Colossians 3:2), reflecting a heart transformed by faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phroneō invites us to look at the direction of our thoughts rather than just their content. It describes a settled attitude or way of viewing reality, rooted in how we choose to engage with God’s world. When Jesus corrected Peter, He was not merely pointing out a wrong fact but a misplaced perspective—prioritizing human concerns over divine purposes. This reminds us that our inner posture shapes our outer actions.
In daily life, this call to align our minds often appears in community. Paul urges believers to share the same mindset, not through forced agreement, but through humble unity and shared love. It is an invitation to let Christ’s attitude become our own, allowing faith to reshape how we relate to others and interpret our circumstances.
Ultimately, phroneō points toward a hope that transcends earthly worries. By setting our minds on what is above, we find stability and peace. This shift in perspective does not require perfection but a willing heart that seeks to follow Jesus’ example in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- minding,3×
- to think2×
- to be of mind2×
- regarding2×
- your thoughts are of1×
- you will reason;1×
- you were concerned,1×
- you think;1×
- you reason,1×
- you may be minded,1×
- you have in mind1×
- we may reason;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φρονεῖν4×
- φρονοῦντες,3×
- φρονῶν2×
- φρονεῖτε,2×
- φρονεῖτε2×
- φρονεῖς2×
- φρονεῖν,2×
- ἐφρόνουν1×
- ἐφρονεῖτε,1×
- φρόνει1×
- φρονῶμεν·1×
- φρονῆτε,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:23
But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.”
Jesus uses this term to correct Peter’s human-centered perspective, showing that true discipleship requires aligning our thoughts with God’s purposes rather than worldly logic.
-
Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Paul contrasts two distinct mindsets—one dominated by fleshly desires and another led by the Spirit—highlighting how our spiritual direction determines our inner focus.
-
Philippians 2:5
Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,
This verse serves as a practical guide for unity, urging believers to adopt the same humble and self-giving attitude that characterized Christ’s own life.
-
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
The command to set our minds on heavenly things provides a clear anchor for our values, directing our attention away from temporary earthly concerns toward eternal realities.