Mindful Devotion: φροντίζω (Strong’s G5431: phrontizō) Cultivates Good Works

Strong’s G5431: From phren (mind); to exercise thought, be anxious about, take care of something with diligence and intentionality. Carries the sense of careful attention and thoughtful consideration in pursuing good works, particularly in the context of Christian service and discipleship.

U- Unveiling the Word

φροντίζω embodies the concept of thoughtful, intentional care and consideration in action. It combines mental engagement with practical application, reflecting a mindset of careful attention and purposeful devotion. In the New Testament, it specifically relates to the believer’s responsibility to maintain good works as a reflection of their faith. The early church understood this term as representing the practical outworking of Christian faith through deliberate, thoughtful service. Today, it continues to challenge believers to approach their faith with both mental engagement and practical application, emphasizing the importance of intentional Christian living.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φροντίζω, phrontizō, fron-tid’-zo
• Pronunciation: FRON-tid-zoh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: φρήν (phrēn) – mind, thought, understanding
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izō) – causative verbal suffix indicating continuous action
• Combined meaning: to exercise the mind, to be thoughtfully engaged in action

D – Defining Meanings

• To be thoughtful about
• To be careful to
• To take care
• To be intentional about

For compound words: The root φρήν contributes the sense of mental engagement, while the -ίζω suffix adds the ongoing, active dimension of putting thought into practice.

Translation Options:

1. “To be mindful” – captures both mental engagement and ongoing attention
2. “To be careful about” – emphasizes the thoughtful consideration aspect
3. “To maintain diligently” – reflects the active, continuous nature of the care

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεριμνάω (merimnaō) – to be anxious, worried G3309 – focuses more on anxiety than positive care
• ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeleomai) – to take care of G1959 – emphasizes physical care more than mental engagement
• προνοέω (pronoeō) – to think of beforehand G4306 – focuses on forethought rather than ongoing care

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Infinitive
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

The present tense and continuous aspect indicate ongoing action. In English, this would manifest as:

• Present: “maintain”
• Present Progressive: “maintaining”
• Present Active: “maintains”

Cross-references:

• φροντίς (phrontis) – thought, care (noun form)
• φρόνιμος (phronimos) – prudent, thoughtful (adjective form)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical tradition provides rich insight into φροντίζω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to thoughtful consideration leading to action. Thayer’s highlights the word’s implication of careful attention and diligence. LSJ notes its classical usage in contexts of deliberate care and management. Vine’s connects it to the practical outworking of faith through good works. Strong’s emphasizes the mental engagement aspect, while LEH highlights its use in Hellenistic literature for administrative care. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in papyri for business and legal contexts, showing its practical application in daily life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

These things are good and profitable for the people. But they must [φροντίζω] be careful to maintain good works. Titus 3:8

Additional References:
As this is a hapax legomenon (appears only once in the New Testament), there are no additional references.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φροντίζω represents a crucial aspect of Christian discipleship – the intentional, thoughtful maintenance of good works. It combines mental engagement with practical action, challenging believers to live out their faith with purpose and diligence. This word reminds us that the good news of King Jesus isn’t merely theoretical but requires careful attention and active participation in good works. It emphasizes that our faith should be expressed through thoughtful, deliberate service to others, reflecting Christ’s character in practical ways.

D – Did You Know?

1. φροντίζω is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only once.
2. The word was commonly used in ancient Greek educational contexts, particularly in philosophical schools.
3. Its root word φρήν was considered by ancient Greeks to be the seat of mental and moral activity.

Strong’s G5431: From phren (mind); to exercise thought, be anxious about, take care of something with diligence and intentionality. Carries the sense of careful attention and thoughtful consideration in pursuing good works, particularly in the context of Christian service and discipleship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: care, mindfulness, good works, diligence, intentionality, Christian service, discipleship, maintenance, thoughtfulness, practical faith