σωφρονίζω
sōphronízō
G4994 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bring to, or instruct toward, self-control or sound judgment; to encourage moderation, prudence, or sensible behavior in another. The primary lexical meaning is 'to make or help (someone) be self-restrained, prudent, of sound mind.' Contextually, it can mean to advise, teach, or urge someone to behave with moderation and sensible judgment, especially concerning passions, desires, or conduct. In didactic or moral exhortation settings, it broadly denotes encouraging sobriety, restraint, or balanced thought and action.
Semantic Range
to instruct in self-control, to train in prudence, to encourage moderation, to urge sensible behavior, to teach to be sober-minded
Root / Etymology
From the adjective σώφρων (sōphrōn, 'of sound mind, self-controlled, sensible') with the verbal suffix -ίζω, indicating causation or bringing about a state.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb σωφρονίζω is rare, first attested in Hellenistic Greek, and primarily found in didactic or paraenetic literature. Its usage is especially notable in contexts pertaining to moral instruction—particularly within the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., Titus 2:4), where it refers to training or urging others (often younger women) toward sensible, moderate, and self-controlled behavior. The semantic focus is on cultivating inner restraint and balanced judgment, closely connected with the broader ideal of σωφροσύνη (soundness of mind, moderation) in Greek ethics. Unlike the English 'teach to be sober,' which may suggest abstinence from intoxication, the Greek term emphasizes comprehensive moderation of character and thought. The term's use in the New Testament reflects the Hellenistic-Jewish concern with virtue embodied as temperance and good sense, rather than solely avoidance of excess or intoxication. It stands in contrast to terms like νουθετέω (to admonish, warn), which focus on correction or exhortation rather than the cultivation of inward virtue. The nuance of communal or familial instruction (especially women instructing women within the household) is prominent in its NT context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σώφρων; to make of sound mind, i.e. (figuratively) to discipline or correct:--teach to be sober.
Root Family
σωφρον- (sōphronéō) — to be of sound mind, to be self-controlled, to be moderate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4993 | σωφρονέω | to be of sound mind |
| G4995 | σωφρονισμός | of sound-minded discipline |
| G4996 | σωφρόνως | with sound mind |
| G4997 | σωφροσύνη | of sound-minded self-control |
| G4998 | σώφρων | a sound-minded man |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4994-01 |
σωφρονίζωσι | sophronizosi | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P PL |
they may encourage | they may instill self-control | they may instill self-control | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4994-01 |
Titus 2:4 | σωφρονίζωσι | sophronizosi | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P PL |
they may encourage | they may instill self-control | they may instill self-control |