σωφροσύνη G4997
soundness of mind, self-control, prudence; mental balance, moderation, and disciplined thinking
A noun denoting soundness of mind, self-control, prudence, or moderation—a balanced, disciplined mental state. Paul declares 'I am not out of my mind but speak words of truth and soundness of mind' (Acts 26:25), instructs women to adorn themselves with 'self-control' (1 Tim 2:9), and lists 'self-control' among virtues women are preserved through (2:15). Classical uses include sanity (opposite of madness), moderation in desires, and even moderate government. The word encompasses both rational clarity and moral discipline—a mind neither manic nor indulgent but balanced and controlled.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Languages converge: English 'self-control/sound thinking/soundness of mind', Spanish 'cordura/sensatez', French 'sagesse', German 'Besonnenheit/σωφροσύνης'. The three NT uses span apologetic (Paul defending his sanity—Acts 26:25) and ethical (women's modest adornment and salvation—1 Tim 2:9, 15). In each case, σωφροσύνη denotes a disciplined, balanced mind—neither mad nor impulsive but controlled, reasonable, and morally grounded. 3×
AR["التَّعَقُّلِ", "الرَّشَادِ", "تَعَقُّلٍ"]·ben["সংযমের,", "সংযমের।", "সুস্থ-মনের"]·DE["Besonnenheit", "σωφροσύνης"]·EN["self-control", "sound-thinking"]·FR["sagesse", "σωφροσύνης"]·heb["דַּעַת-שְׂכֶל", "פִּקְחוּת"]·HI["शअलेएनतअ", "समझदारीकी"]·ID["kepatutan", "kewarasan"]·IT["sobrietà", "sōphrosunēs"]·jav["wicaksana", "wicaksana,", "wicaksana."]·KO["분별-의", "절제,", "절제."]·PT["de-sensa-tez", "moderação"]·RU["разумности", "целомудрием"]·ES["de-cordura", "sensatez"]·SW["busara", "kiasi"]·TR["aklı-başlılık", "aklı-başında-olmayla", "sağduyu'nun"]·urd["پرہیزگاری", "پرہیزگاری۔", "ہوش-مندی"]
Related Senses
H3045 1. Qal: to know, perceive, understand (829×)H5315 1. soul, inner being (647×)H3820a 1. heart, inner self (mind/will/emotion) (572×)H4672 1. Qal: find, discover (289×)G1492 1. know facts or truths (285×)H3824 1. heart, inner self (mind/will/emotion) (250×)H1245 1. seek, search for (200×)G1097 1. know, be acquainted with (196×)H2142 1. Qal: remember, recall (173×)G2588 1. heart (inner self, mind, will) (158×)H0977 1. choose, select (Qal active) (145×)G2147 1. find, discover (144×)G5590 1. soul, inner self (100×)H4672 2. Niphal: be found, be discovered (99×)H1875 1. seek, search for (96×)H5315 2. life, vitality (94×)H1847 1. knowledge, discernment (90×)H2450 1. wise, prudent (84×)H7911 1. Qal: to forget (83×)H3684 1. fool, dullard (70×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
σωφροσύνη [ῠ], Doric dialect σωφροσ-ύνα, Epic dialect and poetry σᾰοφροσύνη (as in Refs 8th c.BC+ and in later poetry, Refs, ἡ, soundness of mind, prudence, discretion, Refs 8th c.BC+; the common form first in Refs 6th c.BC+; sanity, opposed to μανία, NT+5th c.BC+ __2 moderation in sensual desires, selfcontrol, temperance, Refs 5th c.BC+; σ. τὸ περὶ τὰς γυναῖκας (i.e. ἔργον) NT+5th c.BC+ __3 in a political sense, a moderate form of government, Refs 5th c.BC+