σωφρόνως
sōphrónōs
G4996 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner showing soundness of mind or good judgment; acting prudently, with moderation, or sober-mindedly. The adverb conveys the sense of exercising self-control and making decisions characterized by reasonableness and restraint. In different contexts, it may encompass: behaving sensibly, mastering desires, maintaining balance or moderation, or showing discretion.
Semantic Range
prudently, sensibly, with moderation, soberly, with sound mind, discreetly, with self-control
Root / Etymology
From the adjective σώφρων (sōphrōn), composed of σῶς (safe, sound) and φρήν (mind, understanding), yielding the sense of 'of sound mind' or 'self-controlled.' The adverbial suffix -ως indicates manner ('in a [particular] way').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σωφρόνως derives its nuance from the broader virtue of σωφροσύνη (sōphrosynē), a quality much valued in Greek ethical thought referring to practical wisdom, moderation, and restraint. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, σωφρόνως continues to mean 'sensibly' or 'prudently,' often in moral or ethical contexts. In the New Testament (e.g., Titus 2:12), it is used in exhortations to live soberly, self-controlled, or upright lives, highlighting practical wisdom and moderation as ethical ideals. English translations often gloss σωφρόνως as 'soberly,' but the adverb also covers the broader range of 'prudently, with self-restraint, or sensibly.' The term stands in contrast to ἀσώτως (asōtōs, recklessly). Its sense overlaps with, but is more ethically charged than, other adverbs like ἐγκρατῶς (with self-control). The semantic range in Greek literature can include both mental soundness and moderation in behavior.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from σώφρων; with sound mind, i.e. moderately:--soberly.
Root Family
σωφρόνως (sōphrónōs) — sound-mindedness, self-control, moderation, prudence
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4996-01 |
σωφρόνως | sophronos | ADV |
sensibly | with sound mind | with sound mind | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4996-01 |
Titus 2:12 | σωφρόνως | sophronos | ADV |
sensibly | with sound mind | with sound mind |