Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "sober" in the biblical context primarily refers to a state of mental clarity, self-control, and vigilance. It is often used to describe a demeanor that is free from the influence of intoxicants, but it also extends to a broader sense of being watchful and disciplined in one's spiritual and moral life.
Biblical References:1.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 : "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation."
In this passage, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to remain vigilant and self-controlled, contrasting the behaviors of spiritual alertness with those of spiritual lethargy and moral laxity. The imagery of armor underscores the need for readiness and protection against spiritual dangers.
2.
1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Here, sobriety is linked with spiritual warfare. The call to be sober-minded emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a clear and focused mind to resist the devil's schemes.
3.
Titus 2:2 : "Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance."
The instruction to older men to be temperate and self-controlled highlights the importance of sobriety as a virtue that contributes to a godly character and effective witness.
Theological Significance:Sobriety is a key aspect of Christian discipleship, reflecting a life that is under the control of the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh. It involves a conscious effort to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, characterized by moderation, prudence, and a focus on eternal realities.
Practical Application:1.
Spiritual Vigilance: Christians are called to be alert and watchful, recognizing the spiritual battles that surround them. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers to maintain spiritual sharpness.
2.
Moral Integrity: Sobriety extends to all areas of life, encouraging believers to live with integrity and self-discipline. This includes avoiding excesses and maintaining a balanced lifestyle that honors God.
3.
Witness to the World: A sober life serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. By living soberly, Christians demonstrate the peace and stability that come from a life surrendered to Christ.
Cultural Context:In the Greco-Roman world, where excess and indulgence were common, the call to sobriety set Christians apart as a distinct community. This counter-cultural stance continues to be relevant today, as believers navigate a world that often promotes self-indulgence and moral relativism.
Conclusion:The biblical call to sobriety is a timeless exhortation for believers to live with intentionality and purpose, grounded in the truth of God's Word and empowered by His Spirit.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
superl.) Temperate in the use of spirituous liquors; habitually temperate; as, a sober man.
2. (superl.) Not intoxicated or excited by spirituous liquors; as, the sot may at times be sober.
3. (superl.) Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary, or heated with passion; exercising cool, dispassionate reason; self-controlled; self-possessed.
4. (superl.) Not proceeding from, or attended with, passion; calm; as, sober judgment; a man in his sober senses.
5. (superl.) Serious or subdued in demeanor, habit, appearance, or color; solemn; grave; sedate.
6. (v. t.) To make sober.
7. (v. i.) To become sober; -- often with down.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SOBER; SOBRIETY; SOBERNESSIn a few passages, the Greek verb nepho and its derivative adjective nephalios are used in the same sense. The word originally had a physical meaning, as opposed to drunkenness, and is thus used in1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8, as the foundation of the deeper meaning. Used metaphorically also in the Pastoral Epistles and 1 Peter, as sometimes in the classics, for "cool," "unimpassioned." Ellicott, on1 Timothy 3:2, 11, distinguishes between the two words by regarding sophron "as pointing to the outward exhibition of the inward virtue" implied in nephalios.
H. E. Jacobs
Greek
3525. nepho -- to besober, to abstain from wine... to be
sober, to abstain from wine. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: nepho Phonetic
Spelling: (nay'-fo) Short Definition: I am calm, vigilant,
sober...3524. nephalios --sober
...sober. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: nephalios Phonetic Spelling:
(nay-fal'-eh-os) Short Definition:sober, temperate Definition:sober, not...
1594. eknepho -- to becomesober (after drunkenness)
... to becomesober (after drunkenness). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eknepho
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-nay'-fo) Short Definition: I return to soberness of...
4993. sophroneo -- to be of sound mind, ie to be temperate
... sound mind, ie to be temperate. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sophroneo
Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-eh'-o) Short Definition: I amsober-minded, exercise...
4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sophronizo Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-id'-
zo) Short Definition: I admonish Definition: I makesober-minded, admonish...
4998. sophron -- of sound mind, self-controlled
... sophron Phonetic Spelling: (so'-frone) Short Definition: self-controlled, temperate
Definition: of sound mind, self-controlled, temperate,sober-minded, modest...
366. ananepho -- to return to soberness, ie regain one's senses
... ie regain one's senses. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ananepho Phonetic
Spelling: (an-an-ay'-fo) Short Definition: I becomesober again, recover sound...
4997. sophrosune -- soundness of mind, self-control
... See 4998 (). Word Origin from sophron Definition soundness of mind, self-control
NASB Word Usage discreetly (1), self-restraint (1),sober (1)....
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... Nothing quite like this two-fold witness appears elsewhere in the Bible.
These statementssober the heart and inspire the soul!...
Library
Sober Thinking
... ROMANSSOBER THINKING. 'For... themselves. Thissober estimate is here regarded
as being important chiefly as an aid to right service....
'Sober Certainty'
... 'SOBER CERTAINTY'. 'And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know
of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath...
For what is There thatSober Ears could Wish Changed in this...
... Book 4 Chapter 17. For what is there thatsober ears could wish changed in this
speech?... For what is there thatsober ears could wish changed in this speech?...
TheSober Divine, who Abhors the Pride of Enthusiasts...
... Address 228: Thesober divine, who abhors the pride of enthusiasts? The
sober divine, who abhors the pride of enthusiasts, for...
"Be Ye ThereforeSober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
... RELIGION. Sermon XXII. "Be ye thereforesober, and watch unto prayer.". 1 Pet.
iv.7.""Be ye thereforesober, and watch unto prayer.". We...
"But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye ThereforeSober and...
... Sermon XX. "But the end of all things is at hand, be ye thereforesober and watch
unto prayer.". 1 Pet.... Here it is. Besober in the use of all things....
Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right andSober...
... CHRISTIAN REVELATION. XIV. Proposition XIV. Fifthly, As this revelation, to
the judgment of right andsober reason,. appears of itself...
Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
... sobriety. But let us who are of the day besober' (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
God's children must not do as others. They must besober....
Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of
filthy lucre; but given to hospitality, a lover of good,sober-minded, just...
The Last Two Verses of Chapterviii. ...
... Strange counsel this, forsober and wise Ecclesiastes to give, is it not?... Therefore,
let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and besober....
Thesaurus
Sober (18 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Temperate in the use of spirituous
liquors; habitually temperate; as, a
sober man. 2. (superl
...Sober-minded (9 Occurrences)
Sober-minded. Soberly,Sober-minded.Sober-mindedness . Noah Webster's
Dictionary (a.) Having a disposition or temper habituallysober....
Sober-mindedness (1 Occurrence)
Sober-mindedness.Sober-minded,Sober-mindedness. Soberness .
Multi-Version ConcordanceSober-mindedness (1 Occurrence)....
Self-controlled (9 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Titus 1:8 but given to hospitality, as a lover of good,sober minded,
fair, holy, self-controlled; (WEB WEY ASV BBE YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Minded (36 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Titus 1:8 but given to hospitality, as a lover of good,sober minded,
fair, holy, self-controlled; (WEB WEY ASV BBE YLT). Titus...
Sensible (15 Occurrences)
... WEB RSV). Titus 1:8 but given to hospitality, as a lover of good,sober
minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; (See NAS). Titus 2:2...
Soberness (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of beingsober. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia.SOBER; SOBRIETY; SOBERNESS....
Temperate (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV NIV). Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover
of good men,sober, just, holy, temperate; (KJV DBY WBS)....
Grave (128 Occurrences)
... serious; -- said of character. 4. (superl.) Not light or gay; solemn;sober;
plain; as, a grave color; a grave face. 5. (superl.) Not acute...
Vigilant (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (KJV WBS YLT)....
Resources
What does it mean to be sober-minded? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to a sound mind? | GotQuestions.orgSober: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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