### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phronímōs**, represented by `{{G5430}}`, is an adverb that means to act **prudently** or **wisely**. It is derived from the word φρόνιμος (phrónimos), which means thoughtful or sagacious. This specific adverb is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 times** in **1 unique verses** in the entirety of the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G5430}}` is found in a parable where a **lord** `{{G2962}}` **commended** `{{G1867}}` his **unjust** `{{G93}}` **steward** `{{G3623}}` **because** `{{G3754}}` he had acted **wisely** [[Luke 16:8]]. In this context, the steward's action was commended for its shrewdness in securing his future. The verse concludes with the observation that the **children** `{{G5207}}` of this **world** `{{G165}}` **are** `{{G1526}}` in their **generation** `{{G1074}}` **wiser** `{{G5429}}` than the **children** `{{G5207}}` of **light** `{{G5457}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the context in which `{{G5430}}` is used:
* `{{G5429}}` **phrónimos** (thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet): This is the adjective form from which **phronímōs** is derived. It is used in the same verse to describe the "children of this world" as **wiser** [[Luke 16:8]] and elsewhere to describe a **wise** man who builds his house on a rock [[Matthew 7:24]].
* `{{G3623}}` **oikonómos** (a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity): This identifies the role of the person who acted **wisely**. A **steward** is expected to be faithful [[1 Corinthians 4:2]] and is seen as a **steward** of the mysteries of God [[1 Corinthians 4:1]].
* `{{G93}}` **adikía** ((legal) injustice... morally, wrongfulness): This word describes the character of the steward's actions. He is an **unjust** steward [[Luke 16:8]], highlighting a clear distinction between his cleverness and his morality.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5430}}` comes from its unique and challenging context.
* **Worldly Prudence:** The term is used to describe a type of practical, forward-thinking wisdom that, while effective, is not inherently righteous. The steward acted **wisely** `{{G5430}}` but also with **iniquity** `{{G93}}` [[Luke 16:8]].
* **A Call to Spiritual Shrewdness:** The commendation of the steward's wisdom serves as a lesson. It challenges the "children of light" to apply the same level of prudent planning and diligence to eternal matters that the "children of this world" apply to temporal ones [[Luke 16:8]].
* **Wisdom vs. Righteousness:** The passage distinguishes between being **wisely** `{{G5430}}` and being just. The master commended the steward's shrewd method, not his immoral motives, demonstrating that cleverness alone is not the same as godly wisdom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5430}}` **phronímōs** is a focused term whose single appearance carries significant meaning. It describes a prudent, shrewd action performed by an **unjust steward** [[Luke 16:8]]. Rather than endorsing the action's morality, its usage serves to illustrate a powerful lesson: believers should be as discerning and forward-thinking with matters of eternal importance as unrighteous people are with worldly affairs.
TRV