1466. egkrateia

Lexicon

egkrateia: Self-control, temperance

Original Word: ἐγκράτεια
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: egkrateia
Pronunciation: en-KRAH-tay-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (eng-krat'-i-ah)
Definition: Self-control, temperance
Meaning: self-mastery, self-restraint, self-control, continence.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

temperance.

From egkrates; self-control (especially continence) -- temperance.

see GREEK egkrates

HELPS Word-studies

1466 egkráteia (from 1722 /en, "in the sphere of" and 2904 /krátos, "dominion, mastery") – properly, dominion within, i.e. "self-control" – proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself.

For the believer, 1466 /egkráteia ("self-control, Spirit-control") can only be accomplished by the power of the Lord. Accordingly, 1466 /egkráteia ("true mastery from within") is explicitly called a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:23).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from egkratés
Definition
mastery, self-control
NASB Translation
self-control (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1466: ἐγκράτεια

ἐγκράτεια (see ἐν III. 3), ἐγκρατείας, ἡ, (ἐγκρατής), self-control, Latincontinentia, temperantia (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites): Acts 24:25; Galatians 5:23 (22); 2 Peter 1:6. (Xenophon, Plato, and following; Sir. 18:29; 4 Macc. 5:34.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from ἐγκρατής (enkratēs), meaning "strong, masterful," which is a compound of ἐν (en, "in") and κράτος (kratos, "strength, power").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐγκράτεια, the concept of self-control can be related to Hebrew terms such as תַּעֲצוּם (ta'atsum, "strength") and יָצַר (yatsar, "to form, fashion"), which convey ideas of strength and control. These terms reflect the broader biblical theme of exercising dominion over one's own nature in accordance with divine guidance.

Usage: The term ἐγκράτεια is used in the New Testament to describe the virtue of self-control, particularly in the context of moral and spiritual discipline. It is often associated with the fruit of the Spirit and is considered an essential quality for Christian living.

Context: ἐγκράτεια (enkráteia) is a significant concept in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and control over one's passions and desires. This virtue is highlighted as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, where it is listed among other qualities such as love, joy, and peace. The Apostle Paul underscores the necessity of self-control in the life of a believer, urging Christians to exercise mastery over their bodies and desires in order to live a life pleasing to God.

In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete exercising self-control in all things to win a perishable crown, contrasting it with the imperishable crown that believers strive for. This illustrates the rigorous discipline required in the Christian life, akin to that of an athlete in training.

Additionally, in 2 Peter 1:6, ἐγκράτεια is mentioned as part of a progression of virtues that believers are encouraged to develop, building upon knowledge and leading to perseverance and godliness. This progression highlights the interconnectedness of virtues in the Christian moral framework.

The concept of ἐγκράτεια is not merely about abstaining from excess but involves a positive mastery and direction of one's energies and desires towards godly purposes. It reflects a life under the control of the Holy Spirit, where one's actions and thoughts are aligned with God's will.

Forms and Transliterations

εγκρατεια εγκρατεία εγκράτεια ἐγκρατείᾳ ἐγκράτεια εγκρατειαν εγκράτειαν ἐγκράτειαν εγκρατειας εγκρατείας ἐγκρατείας enkrateia enkráteia enkrateíāi enkrateian enkráteian enkrateias enkrateías

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 24:25 N-GFS
GRK: δικαιοσύνης καὶ ἐγκρατείας καὶ τοῦ
NAS: righteousness, self-control and the judgment
INT: righteousness and self-control and the

Galatians 5:23 N-NFS
GRK: πραΰτης ἐγκράτεια κατὰ τῶν
NAS: gentleness, self-control; against
KJV: Meekness, temperance: against such
INT: gentleness self-control against things

2 Peter 1:6 N-AFS
GRK: γνώσει τὴν ἐγκράτειαν ἐν δὲ
NAS: and in [your] knowledge, self-control, and in [your] self-control,
KJV: to knowledge temperance; and to
INT: knowledge the self-control in moreover

2 Peter 1:6 N-DFS
GRK: δὲ τῇ ἐγκρατείᾳ τὴν ὑπομονήν
NAS: self-control, and in [your] self-control, perseverance,
KJV: and to temperance patience; and
INT: moreover the self-control the endurance

Strong's Greek 1466
4 Occurrences

ἐγκράτεια — 2 Occ.
ἐγκράτειαν — 1 Occ.
ἐγκρατείας — 1 Occ.