Sacred Sanity: σωφρονέω (Strong’s G4993: sōphroneō) Restores Divine Mind

Strong’s G4993: A compound verb meaning “to be of sound mind,” σωφρονέω combines the concepts of salvation/wholeness (σως) and thinking/mind (φρήν). In the New Testament, it describes the restored mental and spiritual state that comes through divine transformation.

U- Unveiling the Word

σωφρονέω represents the profound transformation of mind and character that occurs through divine intervention. This compound word beautifully captures the integration of spiritual and mental wholeness that characterizes authentic faith. In New Testament usage, it particularly emphasizes the contrast between the chaotic thinking of the fallen mind and the ordered, disciplined thought patterns of one transformed by the Spirit. The early church recognized this term as expressing the radical nature of spiritual renewal, where sound thinking becomes evidence of divine grace. Today, it continues to describe the essential connection between spiritual transformation and mental renewal, challenging believers to cultivate Spirit-led wisdom and self-control.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σωφρονέω, sōphroneō, /so-fro-NEH-o/
• Phonetic Guide: “so” as in “so,” “fro” as in “fro,” “neh” as in “nest,” “o” as in “go”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σῶς (sōs) – root meaning “safe, sound, whole”
• φρήν (phrēn) – root meaning “mind, understanding”
• -έω (-eō) – verbal suffix indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To be of sound mind
• To think sensibly
• To exercise self-control

For compound words:

• σῶς contributes the concept of wholeness and health
• φρήν adds the element of mental faculty
• -έω indicates ongoing action

Translation Options:

• Be sound-minded – emphasizes the state of mental wholeness
• Think sensibly – focuses on the active process of wise thinking
• Exercise self-control – highlights the practical manifestation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σωφροσύνη (sōphrosunē) /so-fro-SOO-nay/ – “soundness of mind” as a noun
  See G4997
• σώφρων (sōphrōn) /SO-fron/ – “of sound mind” as an adjective
  See G4998

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features as a Verb:

• Tense: Present (continuous action)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective

The verb follows regular -έω conjugation patterns. Examples:

• σωφρονῶ – I am being sound-minded
• σωφρονεῖς – you are being sound-minded
• σωφρονεῖ – he/she/it is being sound-minded
• Cross-references: σωφρονισμός (sōphronismos) – “discipline, self-control”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σωφρονέω’s contrast with madness and disorder, highlighting its significance in describing spiritual transformation. Thayer’s explores its classical roots in Greek philosophy, where it represented the ideal of rational self-control. LSJ documents its broad semantic range from mental health to moral restraint, providing context for its spiritual applications. Vine’s notes its particular significance in pastoral epistles, where it describes mature Christian character. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word, showing how it combines wholeness with thinking. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its use in secular contexts for mental health and responsible behavior, illuminating its practical implications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Mark 5:15: “They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and [σωφρονοῦντα] in his right mind, the man who had had the legion; and they became frightened.”

Additional References:
Luke 8:35
Romans 12:3
2 Corinthians 5:13
Titus 2:6
1 Peter 4:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σωφρονέω powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of the Messiah’s work in renewing the human mind. This word proclaims that true spiritual transformation necessarily involves the restoration of sound thinking and self-control. The good news shines through this term as it demonstrates that the Messiah not only saves our souls but heals our minds, bringing wholeness to our entire being. It reminds us that divine grace produces visible change, transforming chaos into order, confusion into clarity, and impulsiveness into self-control.

D – Did You Know?

1. σωφρονέω was considered one of the four cardinal virtues in Greek philosophy.
2. The term appears prominently in ancient medical texts describing mental health restoration.
3. Early Christian writers used this word to describe the unique clarity of mind that comes through Spirit-led transformation.

Strong’s G4993: A compound verb meaning “to be of sound mind,” σωφρονέω combines the concepts of salvation/wholeness (σως) and thinking/mind (φρήν). In the New Testament, it describes the restored mental and spiritual state that comes through divine transformation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: sound mind, self-control, mental wholeness, spiritual transformation, wisdom, discipline, rational thinking, mental health, spiritual renewal, divine healing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​