What does φρονέω (phronéō) mean in the Bible?
G5426 is a verb used for thinking, holding a view, directing attention, sharing a concern, or adopting a disposition. Its twenty-six governed forms cover more than one kind of mental act.
Greek · G5426
φρονέω
To reason
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
φρονέω G5426
Pronunciation phronéō
What does φρονέω (phronéō) mean in the Bible?
G5426 is a verb used for thinking, holding a view, directing attention, sharing a concern, or adopting a disposition. Its twenty-six governed forms cover more than one kind of mental act.
Reader summary
Full entry for φρονέω (G5426) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render G5426?
The BSB source-word alignment has 26 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include you do not have in mind (2), - (1), . . . (1), [does so] (1), by being like-minded (1).
Where does φρονέω (phronéō) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 16:23. Its strongest book concentrations include Philippians (10), Romans (9), 1 Corinthians (1), 2 Corinthians (1).
What This Word Actually Means
G5426 is a verb used for thinking, holding a view, directing attention, sharing a concern, or adopting a disposition. Its twenty-six governed forms cover more than one kind of mental act. Jesus contrasts God's concerns with human concerns when rebuking Peter. Paul uses the verb for humble self-assessment, shared regard within a community, observing a day, concern for others, childlike thinking, confidence about another person's judgment, Christ-shaped humility, earthly preoccupation, renewed concern, and attention to things above.
No single phrase such as fundamental orientation explains every occurrence. Philippians 2:5 belongs to the appeal for communal humility and is read with Christ's self-giving pattern, while Philippians 4:10 uses the same verb for the Philippians' renewed concern for Paul. Romans 8:5 contrasts attention shaped by flesh and Spirit, but it must not become a tool for diagnosing salvation from intrusive thoughts, depression, trauma, disability, or a moment of distress.
Christian formation includes thought and concern, yet this verb does not teach that behavior automatically changes once a person thinks correctly or that mental-health conditions reveal defective faith.
How the Bible Uses It
Twenty-six G5426 forms in twenty verses describe thinking, regarding, sharing a concern, setting attention, observing a day, and adopting a disposition. Romans and Philippians contain concentrated uses, but Gospel, Acts, Corinthian, Galatian, and Colossian contexts preserve additional senses.
- Php.2.5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
Paul addresses the community after urging humility and concern for others. The following Christ passage supplies the decisive pattern. The present imperative marks the command's form, but aspect alone does not prove a special claim of continuous action.
- Matt.16.23
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Jesus rebukes Peter for opposing the announced path of suffering and contrasts God's concerns with human concerns. The scene evaluates Peter's words in this moment; it does not authorize calling every mistaken believer Satan or claiming access to hidden motives.
- Rom.8.5
Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Paul contrasts those who attend to the things of the flesh with those who attend to the things of the Spirit within his argument about life in the Spirit. The contrast concerns allegiance and life under God's action, not a clinical test based on unwanted thoughts, emotional symptoms, or cognitive disability.
- Php.4.2
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
Paul urges two named coworkers to share the same mind in the Lord and asks a trusted companion to help them. The verse supports reconciliation and assistance without erasing differences, assigning equal fault without evidence, or pressuring either woman into unsafe contact.
- Col.3.2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
The command follows the claim that believers have been raised with Christ and points attention toward the risen Christ. The rest of the letter turns that allegiance toward concrete conduct, so the verse cannot support neglect of bodies, work, justice, family responsibilities, or earthly care.
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It you do not have in mind 2× Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33
- 1× Romans 12:3
. . . 1× Romans 11:20
[does so] 1× Romans 14:6
by being like-minded 1× Philippians 2:2
concern 1× Philippians 4:10
Do not be proud 1× Romans 12:16
harmony 1× Romans 15:5
I thought 1× 1 Corinthians 13:11
Let this mind be 1× Philippians 2:5
Live in harmony 1× Romans 12:16
mind 1× 2 Corinthians 13:11
minds are set on 1× Philippians 3:19
observes 1× Romans 14:6
Set [your] minds on 1× Colossians 3:2
set their minds 1× Romans 8:5
should embrace this point of view 1× Philippians 3:15
think of yourself 1× Romans 12:3
to agree [with each other] 1× Philippians 4:2
to feel 1× Philippians 1:7
vvv 1× Philippians 2:2
will take no other view 1× Galatians 5:10
you think 1× Philippians 3:15
You were indeed concerned 1× Philippians 4:10
your views 1× Acts 28:22
Show sample aligned rows
Matthew 16:23 φρονεῖς to you do not have in mind Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Mark 8:33 φρονεῖς to you do not have in mind Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Acts 28:22 φρονεῖς to your views Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Romans 8:5 φρονοῦσιν to set their minds Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Romans 11:20 φρόνει to . . . Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Romans 12:3 φρονεῖν to - Verb - Present Infinitive Active Romans 12:3 φρονεῖν to think of yourself Verb - Present Infinitive Active Romans 12:16 φρονοῦντες to Live in harmony Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Romans 12:16 φρονοῦντες to Do not be proud Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Romans 14:6 φρονῶν to observes Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned row Matthew 16:23
Aligned rows 26
Books represented 9
Matthew 1 Mark 1 Acts 1 Romans 9 1 Corinthians 1 2 Corinthians 1 Galatians 1 Philippians 10 Colossians 1
Source forms
φρονεῖν 6x phronein Romans 12:3, Romans 15:5, Philippians 1:7, Philippians 4:2
φρονεῖτε 4x phroneite 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 3:15, Colossians 3:2
φρονοῦντες 4x phronountes Romans 12:16, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 3:19
φρονεῖς 3x phroneis Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33, Acts 28:22
ἐφρονεῖτε 1x ephroneite Philippians 4:10
ἐφρόνουν 1x ephronoun 1 Corinthians 13:11
φρονεῖ 1x phronei Romans 14:6
φρόνει 1x phronei Romans 11:20
Parsing patterns
Verb - Present Infinitive Active 6x Romans 12:3, Romans 15:5, Philippians 1:7, Philippians 4:2
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural 4x Romans 12:16, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 3:19
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural 3x 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 2:5, Colossians 3:2
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular 3x Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33, Acts 28:22
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural 1x Galatians 5:10
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular 1x 1 Corinthians 13:11
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural 1x Philippians 4:10
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular 1x Romans 11:20
Using This Word Well
Be careful not to...
- Read each occurrence by its object and argument. G5426 can concern judgment, regard, observance, agreement, or practical care, not only an inward mindset.
- Use Philippians 2 and 4 to support humble community and concrete concern without demanding identical opinions or assigning equal fault in every conflict.
- Keep Colossians 3 grounded in embodied responsibility; attention to the risen Christ is not permission to neglect material needs or earthly justice.
Avoid claiming...
- Do not claim that correct thinking automatically changes behavior, heals mental illness, removes trauma responses, or proves spiritual maturity.
- Do not claim access to another person's hidden motives or standing with God from a single thought, disagreement, emotional symptom, or moment of distress.
Evidence Summary
Greek word. To be minded or disposed toward something; to set one's orientation on specific priorities.
Strong's G5426
Lexical occurrences 26 verses Greek text appearances 29 times 16 shown below Word forms 5 forms 26 references Verse guides 0 guides
Study link Mark 8:31–33 Source Gloss
to reason
Greek Text Appearances
Textus Receptus witness, full corpus Greek token appearances from Scrivener 1894 Textus Receptus in the full New Testament corpus.
16 of 29 Greek text appearances shown. Linked morphology labels have verse guides.
Matthew 16:23 Verb Second Person Singular Present Active Indicative
φρονεῖς froneiv
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Mark 8:33 Verb Second Person Singular Present Active Indicative
φρονεῖς froneiv
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Acts 28:22 Verb Second Person Singular Present Active Indicative
φρονεῖς· froneiv
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 8:5 Verb Third Person Plural Present Active Indicative
φρονοῦσιν· fronousin
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 12:3 Verb Present Active Infinitive
φρονεῖν, fronein
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 12:3 Verb Present Active Infinitive
φρονεῖν fronein
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 12:16 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine
φρονοῦντες. fronountev
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 12:16 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine
φρονοῦντες, fronountev
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 14:6 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
φρονῶν fronwn
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 14:6 Verb Third Person Singular Present Active Indicative
φρονεῖ· fronei
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 14:6 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
φρονῶν fronwn
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 14:6 Verb Third Person Singular Present Active Indicative
φρονεῖ. fronei
I think, judge, observe
Read verse Romans 15:5 Verb Present Active Infinitive
φρονεῖν fronein
I think, judge, observe
Read verse 1 Corinthians 4:6 Verb Present Active Infinitive
φρονεῖν, fronein
I think, judge, observe
Read verse 1 Corinthians 13:11 Verb First Person Singular Imperfect Active Indicative
ἐφρόνουν, efronoun
I think, judge, observe
Read verse 2 Corinthians 13:11 Verb Second Person Plural Present Active Imperative
φρονεῖτε, froneite
I think, judge, observe
Read verseFull New Testament corpus: 260 chapters, 7,957 verses, 140,628 tokens. Data source: honza/textus-receptus (data only), with authority check against byztxt/greektext-textus-receptus.
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups 5 Aligned forms 26 Tenses Present, Imperfect, Future Voices Active
Verse guides are not available for this word yet, so verse references remain plain evidence markers.
Tenses
Voices
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 6×
Present Active Rom 12:3 · Rom 15:5 · Phil 1:7 · Phil 4:2 · Phil 4:10 6×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 5×
Present Active Rom 12:16 · Phil 2:2 · Phil 3:19 · Rom 14:6 5×
Indicative states a fact or reality 9×
Present Active Matt 16:23 · Mark 8:33 · Acts 28:22 · Rom 8:5 · Rom 14:6 · Phil 3:15 6×
Imperfect Active 1 Cor 13:11 · Phil 4:10 2×
Future Active Gal 5:10 1×
Imperative command or strong request 4×
Present Active 2 Cor 13:11 · Phil 2:5 · Col 3:2 · Rom 11:20 4×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 2×
Present Active Phil 2:2 · Phil 3:15 2×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 26 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect
Tense
present 23 imperfect 2 future 1
Voice
active 26
Mood
indicative 9 infinitive 6 participle 5 imperative 4 subjunctive 2
NT Occurrences
Matthew 16:23 φρονεῖς present active indicative ongoing Mark 8:33 φρονεῖς present active indicative ongoing Acts 28:22 φρονεῖς present active indicative ongoing Romans 8:5 φρονοῦσιν present active indicative ongoing Romans 11:20 φρόνει present active imperative imperative Romans 12:16 φρονοῦντες present active participle participle Romans 12:16 φρονοῦντες present active participle participle Romans 12:3 φρονεῖν present active infinitive infinitive Romans 12:3 φρονεῖν present active infinitive infinitive Romans 14:6 φρονῶν present active participle participle Romans 14:6 φρονεῖ present active indicative ongoing Romans 15:5 φρονεῖν present active infinitive infinitive 1 Corinthians 13:11 ἐφρόνουν imperfect active indicative background 2 Corinthians 13:11 φρονεῖτε present active imperative imperative Galatians 5:10 φρονήσετε future active indicative prospective Philippians 1:7 φρονεῖν present active infinitive infinitive Philippians 2:2 φρονῆτε present active subjunctive subjunctive Philippians 2:2 φρονοῦντες present active participle participle Philippians 2:5 φρονεῖτε present active imperative imperative Philippians 3:15 φρονῶμεν present active subjunctive subjunctive Philippians 3:15 φρονεῖτε present active indicative ongoing Philippians 3:19 φρονοῦντες present active participle participle Philippians 4:10 φρονεῖν present active infinitive infinitive Philippians 4:10 ἐφρονεῖτε imperfect active indicative background Philippians 4:2 φρονεῖν present active infinitive infinitive Colossians 3:2 φρονεῖτε present active imperative imperative
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Selected Scripture Witnesses
Selected passage-level study witnesses for this word. This section is not the full occurrence list.
New Testament Witnesses
set one’s mind
Additional Occurrences
Mark 8:31–33 φρονέω phronéō
to set one’s mind on, think
Showing 2 selected witnesses from 26 lexical occurrence verses.
Word Origins
φρονέω is built from this root:
φρήν G5424
Why This Word Matters
Reveals alignment of thinking. Mark 8:31–33
Part of These Phrases
Compound and idiomatic phrases that include this word. Follow a link to study the phrase and how its parts work together.
For the Preacher and Teacher
G5426 links thinking with concrete relationships and allegiances, but its meaning varies by construction and passage. Jesus uses it when Peter resists the path of the cross. Romans employs it for flesh-and-Spirit concerns, sober self-assessment, mutual regard, observance of a day, and harmony across difference. First Corinthians can use it for a child's way of thinking.
Galatians expresses confidence about what readers will conclude. Philippians applies it to Paul's concern, communal humility, agreement, earthly preoccupation, and renewed care. Colossians directs attention toward the risen Christ. This range prevents a sermon from reducing the verb to positive thinking or a single inner orientation. Thought, concern, conduct, community, and God's action belong together.
Teachers should invite Christ-shaped judgment and shared care while rejecting spiritualized mind-reading, simplistic behavior formulas, coercive agreement, and the use of Romans 8 to stigmatize trauma, intrusive thoughts, neurological difference, or mental illness.
Anchor passage
Php.2.5
Doctrinal connections
- Philippians 2:1-11 - communal humility and concern for others are shaped by Christ's self-giving pattern.
- Romans 8:5-11 - flesh-and-Spirit concern belongs to Paul's argument about God's indwelling Spirit and life.
- Romans 12:3,16 - sober self-assessment and mutual regard reject pride and status seeking.
- Romans 14:6 and 15:5 - differing observance and shared regard are held within belonging to the Lord.
- Matthew 16:21-23 and Mark 8:31-33 - Peter's resistance to Jesus' suffering is judged against God's concerns.
- Philippians 4:2,10 - the verb can describe agreement in the Lord and renewed concern expressed in material support.
- Colossians 3:1-4 - attention to things above is centered on the risen Christ and leads into embodied ethics.
The twenty-six active verb forms span indicative, imperative, infinitive, subjunctive, and participial uses. Objects and constructions specify what is thought, regarded, or cared about. Repeated forms in Romans and Philippians support discourse-level comparison, but etymology and present-tense aspect do not establish habituality, inward depth, or continuous action by themselves.
From Old to New Testament
Wisdom, heart, remembrance, and counsel language across Israel's Scriptures can provide canonical background for Christian thought and allegiance. Those themes should not be treated as direct G5426 occurrences or collapsed into one Hebrew-to-Greek equivalence.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain