φρονέω

phronéō /fron-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom φρήν
Meaningto 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)
KJV usageset the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word phronéō, represented by G5426, describes how one exercises the mind. It appears 37 times in 21 unique verses. The term means to have a certain sentiment or opinion, to be mentally disposed in a particular direction, or to interest oneself in something. It is translated in various ways, including to "set the affection on," "be mindful," "savour," and "think."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5426 is frequently used to draw a sharp contrast between two fundamental mindsets. Believers are instructed to set their affection G5426 on "things above" rather than on earthly things Colossians 3:2. This choice is central, as those who live according to the flesh mind G5426 the things of the flesh, while those who live according to the Spirit focus on the things of the Spirit Romans 8:5. When Peter focused on human concerns, Jesus rebuked him, saying, "thou savourest G5426 not the things that be of God, but those that be of men" Matthew 16:23. The word also carries a strong call for unity, urging believers to be of "one mind" Philippians 2:2 or "likeminded" Romans 15:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the concept of having a particular mindset:

  • G507 ánō (upward or on the top): This word is used to define the proper direction of a believer's mind. The command is to set your affection G5426 on things above G507, establishing a vertical, God-ward orientation for one's thoughts Colossians 3:2.
  • G4625 skándalon (a trap-stick, offence, stumblingblock): This term illustrates the danger of a wrong mindset. Jesus identified Peter as an offence G4625 precisely because his mind was set on human concerns instead of divine ones Matthew 16:23.
  • G4993 sōphronéō (to be of sound mind, sane, moderate): This describes the quality of a rightly-ordered mind. Believers are called not to think too highly of themselves, but to think G5426 with a sober, or sound, mind Romans 12:3, linking a correct mindset with humility and moderation.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5426 is significant, highlighting the importance of the believer's inner thought life.

  • The Carnal vs. Spiritual Mind: The word establishes a core conflict between two opposing orientations. One can either mind G5426 the things of the flesh, which leads to destruction, or the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5, Philippians 3:19).
  • Humility and Unity: A key application of G5426 is the call for corporate unity. Believers are urged to be "of the same mind" Romans 12:16 and "of one mind" 2 Corinthians 13:11. This unity is rooted in humility, specifically by adopting the same mental disposition that was in Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5.
  • Spiritual Maturity: The term is used to track spiritual development. It contrasts a child's understanding 1 Corinthians 13:11 with the mindset of the mature, or "perfect" Philippians 3:15. A correct mental focus is a mark of growing in faith.

Summary

In summary, G5426 conveys much more than simple thinking. It defines the fundamental disposition and orientation of one's mind—the things it savors, regards, and is concerned with. Scripture uses this word to frame the critical decision every believer must make: to set one's mind on earthly things or on the things of God. It is a cornerstone for understanding biblical calls to humility, unity, and the pursuit of a spiritual mindset modeled after Christ himself.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 30 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Infinitive 8×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 4×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 3×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Singular 3×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Future Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 21 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Philippians (8 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Acts
5
Romans
2
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
1
Galatians
8
Philippians
1
Colossians

Verse Explorer

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