### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G3675 homóphrōn is a compound adjective derived from ὁμοῦ (homou), meaning "together" or "same," and φρήν (phrēn), referring to the mind, understanding, or intellect, often encompassing the seat of one's thoughts and affections. Thus, homóphrōn literally translates to "having the same mind" or "of one mind." Its core meaning denotes a deep agreement in thought, disposition, and purpose, leading to harmony and concord. It signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it implies a shared spirit, a unity of will, and an alignment of inner disposition. This word captures the essence of spiritual and relational accord, reflecting a profound sense of unity in perspective and intention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3675 homóphrōn appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's Epistle to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 15:5]]**: "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be of one mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus."
In this singular occurrence, Paul invokes a prayer for the Roman believers, urging them towards unity. The context of Romans 14-15 addresses divisions within the church, particularly between Jewish and Gentile Christians concerning matters of conscience and practice (e.g., dietary laws, observance of days). Paul's appeal for homóphrōn here is not a call for uniformity in all opinions, but for a fundamental unity of spirit and purpose that transcends minor disagreements. This "likemindedness" is presented as a divine gift, granted by "the God of patience and comfort," indicating that such unity is not solely a human endeavor but a work of God's grace. Furthermore, this unity is to be "according to Christ Jesus," meaning it must be shaped and defined by Christ's own character, humility, and self-giving love, as exemplified in His willingness to welcome both Jew and Gentile. The immediate purpose of this unity is stated in the following verse: "so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" [[Romans 15:6]]. Thus, homóphrōn is essential for corporate worship and a unified witness to God's glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of unity and harmony is central to New Testament theology, and G3675 homóphrōn resonates with several related Greek terms and theological ideas:
* **[[G3661 homothymadon]] (homothymadon):** Meaning "with one accord" or "with one mind," this adverb is frequently used in the book of Acts to describe the unity and unanimity of the early Christian community, particularly in prayer and action (e.g., [[Acts 1:14]], [[Acts 2:46]], [[Acts 4:24]]). While homóphrōn emphasizes the shared inner disposition, homothymadon often highlights the outward manifestation of that unity in collective action.
* **[[G5424 phronéō]] (phroneō):** The root word for "mind" in homóphrōn, phroneō itself means "to think," "to have a certain mindset," or "to be disposed." Paul frequently uses this verb to call believers to adopt a particular mindset, especially the mind of Christ (e.g., [[Philippians 2:5]], "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus"). Homóphrōn specifies that this mindset should be *shared* among believers.
* **[[G4935 symphroneō]] (symphroneō):** Meaning "to be of the same mind," this verb is used in [[Philippians 2:2]] as Paul exhorts the Philippians to "be of one mind" (τὸ ἓν φρονῆτε), emphasizing the importance of shared thoughts and affections for Christian fellowship.
* **[[G1773 henotēs]] (henotēs):** This noun explicitly means "unity" and is used in Ephesians to describe the "unity of the Spirit" [[Ephesians 4:3]] and the "unity of the faith" [[Ephesians 4:13]]. Homóphrōn contributes to and expresses this broader concept of spiritual unity.
* **[[G2406 isopsychos]] (isopsychos):** Meaning "like-souled" or "having a like spirit," used by Paul to describe Timothy in [[Philippians 2:20]], indicating a deep empathy and shared concern.
These terms collectively underscore the New Testament's consistent emphasis on the spiritual and relational unity of believers, which is rooted in their common life in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The call to be homóphrōn carries profound theological weight, particularly within Pauline theology:
1. **Divine Origin and Empowerment:** Paul's prayer in [[Romans 15:5]] reveals that "likemindedness" is not merely a human aspiration but a divine gift, granted by "the God of patience and comfort." This suggests that true Christian unity is supernaturally enabled; it is a work of the Holy Spirit rather than solely human effort or compromise. This understanding elevates unity from a pragmatic necessity to a spiritual imperative, dependent on God's grace.
2. **Christocentric Standard:** The phrase "according to Christ Jesus" establishes Christ as the ultimate pattern and source of this unity. Believers are called to align their minds and dispositions with that of Christ, whose humility, self-sacrifice, and inclusive love transcend human distinctions and divisions. This means unity is not achieved by conforming to human preferences but by conforming to the mind of Christ, which inherently fosters mutual acceptance and service.
3. **Purpose of Glorifying God:** The ultimate goal of homóphrōn is the corporate glorification of God [[Romans 15:6]]. When believers are of one mind, they present a unified front, testifying to the transformative power of the Gospel and the character of God. Disunity, conversely, dishonors God and hinders the church's witness. Thus, unity is not an end in itself, but a means to an end: the worship and exaltation of God.
4. **Practical Implications for the Church:** In a diverse community like the early Roman church (and the church today), homóphrōn is essential for overcoming internal strife and fostering genuine fellowship. It calls for humility, patience, and a willingness to prioritize the common good and the glory of God over individual preferences or contentious issues. It implies a shared spiritual orientation that allows for differences in non-essential matters while maintaining unity in core faith and purpose.
### Summary
G3675 homóphrōn signifies being "of one mind" or "like-minded," denoting a deep spiritual harmony and agreement in disposition and purpose among believers. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, in [[Romans 15:5]], its context is crucial: Paul's prayer for unity among diverse Christians, granted by God and patterned after Christ Jesus. This "likemindedness" is not superficial agreement but a profound alignment of inner spirit, enabling the church to overcome divisions and, with one voice, glorify God. It underscores the New Testament's consistent emphasis on Christian unity as a divine gift, a Christ-like virtue, and an essential component of the church's witness and worship.
TRV