"sanity, soundness of mind, a sane mind, Acts 26:25; female modesty, 1 Tim. 2:9, 15*"
Definition and meaning
sanity, soundness of mind, a sane mind, Acts 26:25; female modesty, 1 Tim. 2:9, 15*
In the original Greek the word is written: σωφροσύνη
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of sophrosyne (G4997) across the King James Bible.
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
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Common questions
Strong's G4997 (sophrosyne) is a Greek word that means: sanity, soundness of mind, a sane mind, Acts 26:25; female modesty, 1 Tim. 2:9, 15* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word sophrosyne (G4997) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4997 is sophrosyne, a Greek word defined as: sanity, soundness of mind, a sane mind, Acts 26:25; female modesty, 1 Tim. 2:9, 15*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
sophrosyne is a Greek word found in the New Testament.