Language Studies

Greek Thoughts

PHRONEW
To think, the mind

This week we are beginning the study of φρονὲω (Strong's #5426), another word from the Greek New Testament having to do with the thinking processes of the mind. It expressly has to do with the attitude of the mind, or the frame of mind. When examined in conjunction with the other words presented in this study, a fuller understanding of the intimate interaction between each believer and the Lord is realized.
The Scripture focus of our study is Philippians 2:5-8, but it is important to first remember that the theme of Paul's letter to the Christians at Philippi is fellowship. In addition, it is important to note that in Philippians 2:3Paul says that believers are to interact by way of "humbleness of mind." The compound Greek word ταπεινοφροσὺνη (Strong's #5012) expresses this concept. This word is made up of the adjective ταπεινος (Strong's #5011), which means "humbleness, low to the ground" and φρὴν (Strong's #5424) meaning "the midriff or diaphragm." In the New Testament, it denotes the "disposition of the mind." Our word φρονὲω, frame of mind, is derived from φρὴν. Paul is saying that believers need to have the correct estimation of themselves, which comes from having a frame of mind that is lowly or humble. Paul then proceeds to use Jesus' frame of mind as the example for believers:

"Let this mindset (φρονὲω) be in you which was also in Christ Jesus;" Philippians 2:5 (Literal Translation)

In this verse, Paul is commanding all believers to allow or submit to having the same attitude or frame of mind formed in them as was in Christ Jesus. The passive voice is used in this command, "Let this mindset be in you" meaning that the believer is to submit to the process of allowing his mind to be transformed by God over a period of time. Each believer's approach to life and to others should be based upon the same attitude and frame of mind that Jesus had when he became flesh and dwelt among us.

In Philippians 2:6-8, there are three main verbs expressing two phases describing the frame of mind that Jesus had when He walked among us:

6)

"who, existing in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal to God;

7)

"but He emptied Himself, having taken the form of a slave, having become in the likeness of men;

8)

"and having been found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, having become obedient until death, even death of a cross." (Literal Translation)

The first phase is expressed in Verse 6. Paul says that while Jesus existed in the form of God, in all of God's qualities and attributes, the "leading thought of His mind" (ἡγὲομαι Strong's #2233) was that it is not "robbery" (ἁρπαγμὸς Strong's #725) to be equal to God. When Jesus became flesh and came to the earth, He came knowing that He is all that God is.

The second phase concerning the Incarnation of the Christ is expressed in Verses 7,8. The first main verb in this phase is the Greek word κενὸω (Strong's #2758), which is used to express the fact that Jesus "emptied" Himself of the glory referred to in Verse 6 when He became a man and when He took on the form of a slave.

The next main verb in this phase, ταπεινὸω (Strong's #5013), is found in Verse 7. Ταπεινὸω means "to be humble" or "to be close to the ground." This verse tells us that when Jesus was found in the fashion of a man, and when He became obedient unto death, He humbled Himself choosing the low and humble road. He did not come in a kingly fashion, even though he was The King. As The King, He chose to function as the servant of all.

In summary, this section of Scripture teaches that we are to submit to God as He creates in us the same attitude or mindset that Jesus had when He functioned in this earthly life. Jesus being equal to God, He emptied Himself of His glory in order to be one of us and to function on this earth as a slave, not a king. He humbled Himself when He took on the outward appearance of a man and submitted Himself to death, even to the death of the cross. In Paul's presentation, he is saying that in order for believers to have true fellowship, we must have the same mindset Jesus had in His approach to this earthly life and the things pertaining to it. When the Lord has developed in us that frame of mind which causes us to approach the material things of life with moderation and to place the needs of others above our own, then we will be able to experience genuine fellowship. When we arrive at that second phase in the Christian growth process where what we want out of life materially doesn't really matter, then we will stop insisting that believers and churches conform to our demands and we will function as servants.

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