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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as they provide deeper insights into the original meanings and contexts of scriptural texts. The word ὁμόφρων, found in 1 Peter 3:8, is particularly significant in conveying the essence of unity and harmony within the Christian community. This term not only enriches our interpretation of New Testament teachings but also reflects cultural values of ancient Greek society, where the concept of shared thought and mutual understanding was highly esteemed. By exploring ὁμόφρων, we gain a clearer picture of the expectations for interpersonal relationships among early Christians.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὁμόφρων (homophron)

Pronunciation Guide: hoh-MO-frohn

Etymology: The term ὁμόφρων is a compound of two Greek words: ὁμός (homos), meaning “same” or “common,” and φρονέω (phroneo), meaning “to think” or “to have understanding.” Together, these components suggest a sense of shared thought or mutual understanding among individuals, emphasizing the importance of harmony in thought and intention.

Part of Speech: Adjective. As an adjective, ὁμόφρων describes a quality or characteristic of a person or group, specifically referring to those who think similarly or share the same perspective.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Of one mind; harmonious. This meaning emphasizes unity in thought and purpose, indicating that individuals share similar beliefs or intentions.

Meaning 2: Agreeable or sympathetic in sentiment. This highlights emotional resonance among individuals, suggesting a deep understanding and acceptance of each other’s feelings.

Meaning 3: Concordant in action. This refers to individuals not only sharing thoughts but also acting together in harmony, reinforcing the idea of community and collective effort.

Exploring Similar Words

ὁμόνοια (homonoia) : This noun means “unity” or “concord,” and while it overlaps with ὁμόφρων in the sense of shared thought, it specifically emphasizes a state of harmony rather than the cognitive aspect of thinking alike.

συμφώνως (symphonos) : This adverb means “together” or “in agreement,” focusing more on the act of harmony in actions or sounds rather than the shared thought process indicated by ὁμόφρων.

καρδιογνώμων (kardiognomon) : This term translates to “one who knows the heart” and emphasizes a deeper understanding of emotions and intentions, going beyond mere intellectual agreement.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As an adjective, ὁμόφρων agrees with the nouns it modifies in case, number, and gender. It can appear in various forms: nominative (ὁμόφρων), genitive (ὁμόφρονος), dative (ὁμόφρονι), and accusative (ὁμόφρονα) in singular and plural contexts.

Declension: ὁμόφρων follows the third declension pattern for adjectives, characterized by a mix of masculine, feminine, and neuter forms depending on the noun it modifies.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, particularly in 1 Peter 3:8, the term ὁμόφρων is used to encourage believers to embody unity and mutual understanding. This call for harmonious relationships underscores a key aspect of Christian teaching—living in peace with one another. Theologically, the term embodies the idea that a shared mindset among believers strengthens community bonds and enhances collective faith practices.

In classical contexts, ὁμόφρων also reflects the societal value placed on communal agreement and collective thought. Philosophers and writers often extolled the virtues of harmony in both thought and action, reflecting the cultural importance of shared beliefs in maintaining social order and cohesion. The integration of ὁμόφρων into both spiritual and secular discussions highlights its significance in understanding the interplay between individual beliefs and communal harmony.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded [ὁμόφρων], be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

This verse illustrates the call for unity and shared understanding among believers, emphasizing the importance of harmonious relationships.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Plato The Republic “In a just society, the citizens must think alike (ὁμόφρων) to achieve harmony.”

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “Friendship is rooted in shared understanding and agreement (ὁμόφρων) between individuals.”

Xenophon Memorabilia “True leaders are those who inspire harmony of thought (ὁμόφρων) among their followers.”

Septuagint Isaiah 11:6 “The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; and a little child shall lead them together (ὁμόφρων).”

Septuagint Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (ὁμόφρων) in mutual understanding.”

Septuagint 1 Samuel 18:1 “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul (ὁμόφρων).”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὁμόφρων is a significant term that embodies the essence of unity and shared understanding within the New Testament context. Found in 1 Peter 3:8, it emphasizes the importance of harmonious relationships among believers, urging them to cultivate a mindset of agreement and mutual respect. By examining its meanings, morphology, and classical usages, we see how ὁμόφρων serves as a bridge between individual thoughts and collective community, highlighting its relevance in both ancient Greek culture and early Christian teachings.

Did You Know?

• The concept of ὁμόφρων reflects not just intellectual agreement but also emotional connection, indicating that true harmony requires both mind and heart.

• In the context of 1 Peter 3:8, ὁμόφρων is part of a broader exhortation for Christians to live in love and humility, illustrating how unity among believers is essential for a vibrant faith community.

• Ancient Greek philosophers frequently discussed the importance of shared beliefs and values, recognizing that societal harmony depended on individuals thinking alike (ὁμόφρων).