ὁμόφρων

of one mind

Definition

ὁμόφρων (omophrōn) is an adjective meaning 'of one mind,' 'like-minded,' or 'harmonious in thought and purpose.' It describes a profound unity of intention, will, and attitude among a group of people. In its single New Testament occurrence, it is used to exhort Christians toward internal community cohesion. The word implies more than mere agreement; it conveys a shared mindset and a collective orientation toward a common goal, rooted in spiritual fellowship.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 3:8. Here, it appears in a list of virtues that should characterize all believers: 'Finally, all of you, be like-minded (ὁμόφρων), be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.' Its usage is entirely hortatory, instructing the Christian community to cultivate internal unity as a fundamental aspect of their life together.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words ὁμός (homos), meaning 'same,' and φρήν (phrēn), meaning 'mind,' 'heart,' or 'understanding.' It literally means 'having the same mind.' This compound construction emphasizes a unity of inner disposition and intellectual purpose. Cognates include ὁμοφρονέω (homophroneō, G3674), a verb meaning 'to be of the same mind.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures a core ideal for the Christian church: unity. This unity is not uniformity but a shared mindset shaped by Christ (Philippians 2:5) and the Holy Spirit. It is essential for maintaining the 'bond of peace' (Ephesians 4:3) and is a powerful witness to the world (John 17:21). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that Christian harmony is an active, cultivated state of shared purpose and heart, not passive coexistence.

In the Greco-Roman world, philosophical schools and voluntary associations prized homonoia (concord) as a social and civic virtue. Peter's use of ὁμόφρων would resonate with this cultural ideal but redefines it within the new covenant community. For Christians, this 'one-mindedness' is not based on philosophical agreement or political loyalty but on their shared identity in Christ and submission to God's will, setting it apart from secular concepts of unity.

ὁμοφρονέω (homophroneō, G3674) — the verbal form meaning 'to be of the same mind, to agree.' σύμφωνος (symphōnos, G4859) — emphasizes being in harmony or agreement, often in a more general sense. ἕνωσις (henōsis, G1775) — focuses on the state or act of being united into one.

Word Details

Scripture References