φρονέω
phronéō
G5426 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To think, to hold an opinion, to have an attitude or mindset. φρονέω is primarily used for exercising thought, forming or processing mental attitudes, setting one’s mind or intention toward something, or adopting a certain frame of mind. Depending on context, it can express opinions, feelings, or internal dispositions toward an object or person, as well as being disposed in a certain way, especially in volitional, ethical, or social matters.
Semantic Range
to think, to hold an opinion, to form a mindset or disposition, to have an intention or concern, to set one’s mind on something, to adopt a particular attitude, to be concerned about, to show an orientation
Root / Etymology
From the noun φρήν, φρενός (mind, understanding, thought), which refers to the seat of thought and consciousness in Greek usage. φρονέω is a denominative verb meaning 'to use the mind' or 'to be minded.' Early usage is tied to the notion of mental direction or disposition.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, φρονέω connotes thinking, perceiving, or being minded (Homer onwards). It expands in Hellenistic and Koine usage to include internal attitudes, ethical orientations, or volitional stances (e.g., to have concern, to set one’s mind on). In the Septuagint (LXX), it renders Hebrew roots for thinking or setting one’s will. In the New Testament, φρονέω frequently designates not just cognition but a habitual or characteristic mental orientation, such as humility, unity, or spiritual focus. It can signify proper or improper mental attitudes depending on context (e.g., Romans 8:5 distinguishes φρονέω 'of the flesh' and 'of the spirit,' marking ethical and religious orientation). English translations often use 'think,' 'set mind on,' 'regard,' or 'be of one mind,' but these only approximate the richness of the Greek which can imply opinion, internal intention, disposition, or mindset. Distinct but related are nouns like φρόνησις ('prudence,' 'practical wisdom') and adjectives like φρόνιμος ('prudent,' 'sensible'), illustrating an emphasis on practical, attitudinal, or volitional intelligence rather than mere cognitive process.
Translation Consistency
'Think' is the most natural, common English verb that captures φρονέω’s core sense of holding an opinion, forming a mindset, or having an attitude. It matches the majority of existing renderings and is broad enough to cover related senses (set one’s mind, be concerned, intend) while remaining simple and consistent for all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φρήν; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.
Root Family
φρονέω (phronéō) — to think, to be minded, to form an attitude
Word Forms
12 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5426-04 |
φρονεῖν | phronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to think | to be minded | to be thinking | 6 |
G5426-11 |
φρονοῦντες | phronountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
being minded | being minded | being minded | 4 |
G5426-06 |
φρονεῖτε | phroneite | V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL |
have this mind | keep thinking | keep thinking, all of you | 4 |
G5426-05 |
φρονεῖς | phroneis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
you think | you are minded | you are thinking | 3 |
G5426-03 |
φρόνει | phronei | V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG |
think | set your mind | think | 2 |
G5426-09 |
φρονῶμεν | phronomen | V PRS ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
let us have this attitude | let us be minded | let us think | 1 |
G5426-01 |
ἐφρονεῖτε | ephroneite | V IMPF ACT IND 2P PL |
you were concerned | you were thinking | you were concerned | 1 |
G5426-10 |
φρονῶν | phronon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
observing | being minded | thinking | 1 |
G5426-02 |
ἐφρόνουν | ephronoun | V IMPF ACT IND 1P SG |
I thought | I was being minded | I was thinking | 1 |
G5426-12 |
φρονοῦσιν | phronousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
set their minds on | they are minded | they set their minds | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
26 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5426-05 |
Matthew 16:23 | φρονεῖς | phroneis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
you-think | you are minded | you are thinking |
G5426-05 |
Mark 8:33 | φρονεῖς | phroneis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
you think | you are minded | you are thinking |
G5426-05 |
Acts 28:22 | φρονεῖς | phroneis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
you think | you are minded | you are thinking |
G5426-12 |
Romans 8:5 | φρονοῦσιν | phronousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
set their minds on | they are minded | they set their minds |
G5426-03 |
Romans 11:20 | φρόνει | phronei | V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG |
think | set your mind | think |
G5426-04 |
Romans 12:3 | φρονεῖν | phronein | V PRS ACT INF |
to think | to be minded | to be thinking |
G5426-04 |
Romans 12:3 | φρονεῖν | phronein-2 | V PRS ACT INF |
to think | to be minded | to be thinking |
G5426-11 |
Romans 12:16 | φρονοῦντες | phronountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
being minded | being minded | being minded |
G5426-11 |
Romans 12:16 | φρονοῦντες | phronountes-2 | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
minding | being minded | being minded |
G5426-10 |
Romans 14:6 | φρονῶν | phronon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
observing | being minded | thinking |