σωφρονέω

From the study of 2 Corinthians 5:13

Range of meaning

"To be of sound mind" (literally "to have a safe or whole mind"). In context it means (1) being sane, in one's right mind, as opposed to madness; (2) being sensible, measured, moderate; (3) being self-controlled and disciplined. The related noun sōphrosynē was one of the four classical Greek virtues: self-mastery, moderation, good sense.

Against the English

KJV and WEB "sober" originally meant sane, serious and temperate. Today most people hear it as "not drunk". BSB and NASB "of sound mind" and ESV/NIV/NLT "in our right mind" capture the sanity sense well but lose the overtone of disciplined, measured conduct that the word carried in Greek moral language.

How it drifted

"Sober" has narrowed in modern English toward abstinence from alcohol. In 1611 it carried the broad sense of sound-minded and self-restrained.

Used elsewhere in the period

The healed demoniac sits "clothed and in his right mind" (sōphronounta, Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35), the direct opposite of possession-madness. Paul urges believers "to think with sober judgment" (eis to sōphronein, Rom 12:3). When Festus shouts "You are out of your mind, Paul!", Paul answers that he speaks "words of truth and sōphrosynē" (Acts 26:24–25), the same contrast as this verse. In classical writing, Plato's Phaedrus (244a–245a) explicitly sets god-given mania (prophetic, inspired madness) against merely human sōphrosynē.

From the study of 1 Peter 4:7

Range of meaning

To be of sound mind, sane, in one's right mind. Also to be sensible, prudent, self-controlled, moderate. It is the verb form of sōphrosynē, one of the four classic Greek virtues (with wisdom, courage and justice), meaning a mind kept whole and in control of itself.

Against the English

KJV 'be sober' now suggests to most readers 'not drunk' or 'solemn and gloomy.' Modern versions use 'clear-minded' (BSB), 'sound mind' (WEB), 'self-controlled' or 'sound judgment.' All are closer, but none quite carries the Greek sense of sanity and balance against excess.

How it drifted

In 1611 'sober' commonly meant moderate, sensible, serious. Since then English 'sober' has narrowed mainly to 'not intoxicated' or 'grave in mood.'

Used elsewhere in the period

The Gerasene man, once possessed, is found 'clothed and in his right mind' (sōphronounta, Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35). Paul contrasts it with being 'out of our minds' (2 Cor 5:13) and plays on it in Rom 12:3 ('think with sober judgment'). It is common in Greek moral philosophy (Plato, Republic book 4), in Philo, and in the virtue lists of the Pastoral Letters (Titus 2:2–6).

From the study of Luke 8:35

Range of meaning

To be of sound mind, to think sensibly, to be sober-minded, to be moderate and self-controlled. The verb belongs to the family of sōphrosynē, one of the classic Greek virtues: the composed, self-governed state of a person whose mind is 'safe' or 'whole' (from sōs 'safe, sound' and phrēn 'mind'). Its natural opposite is mainomai, 'to be raving mad'.

Against the English

'In his right mind' (KJV, BSB, WEB) and 'perfectly sane' (NLT) capture the main point, that his madness is gone. They can sound purely clinical or psychiatric, though. The Greek word also implies self-command, calm, and orderly conduct, so a reader of the time would hear something closer to 'composed and self-possessed'.

How it drifted

Modern English separates mental health from moral character. Greek sōphrosynē covered both: sound thinking and self-restraint were a single quality.

Used elsewhere in the period

In Plato and the moralists, sōphrosynē is a cardinal virtue. In Acts 26:24–25, Festus shouts 'You are out of your mind (mainē)!', and Paul answers that he speaks words 'of truth and sound-mindedness (sōphrosynēs)'. This shows the same opposition as Luke 8. In 2 Cor 5:13, 'beside ourselves' is set against 'sober-minded (sōphronoumen)'. Elsewhere in the NT: Mark 5:15, Rom 12:3, Titus 2:6, 1 Pet 4:7.