Lexical Summary egkrateia: Self-control, temperance Original Word: ἐγκράτεια 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 Originfrom egkratés Definition mastery, self-control NASB Translation self-control (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1466: ἐγκράτειαἐγκράτεια (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 Concept Overview Self-control (engkrateia) denotes the Spirit-enabled mastery of desires, impulses, and habits so that they serve rather than rule the believer. It is not mere human asceticism but a grace-driven capacity to bring every faculty under the lordship of Jesus Christ for holy living and effective service. Canonical Usage and Literary Settings The noun appears four times in the New Testament—Galatians 5:23; Acts 24:25; 2 Peter 1:6 (twice). Though limited in frequency, each occurrence is strategic: pastoral (Galatians), apologetic (Acts), and eschatological-ethical (2 Peter). Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 Listed last, self-control functions as a capstone virtue that safeguards the others. The Spirit who indwells believers produces an internal governor, freeing them from the tyranny of “the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Moral Persuasion before Unbelievers (Acts 24:25) “As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, ‘You may leave for now; when I find it convenient, I will send for you.’” Acts 24:25 Paul chooses self-control as one of three pillars of his evangelistic appeal. Sandwiched between righteousness and judgment, it addresses present behavior. The gospel summons rulers and citizens alike to restrain unchecked appetites in view of divine scrutiny. Progression of Godly Character (2 Peter 1:5-7) “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 Here self-control is the hinge in a divinely ordered ladder of growth. Knowledge without restraint can puff up; perseverance without restraint can become rigid. Self-control tempers each stage, preventing spiritual lopsidedness and ensuring balanced maturity. Relationship to Holiness and Sanctification Self-control is an essential means by which believers “present [their] bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). It governs the tongue (James 3:1-12), sexuality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), use of money (1 Timothy 6:6-10), eating and drinking (Proverbs 23:20-21; Titus 1:12-13), and emotional responses (Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 4:26). Christological Dimensions Jesus embodies perfect self-control—resisting Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11), restraining legions of angels at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:53), and “when He was reviled, He did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23). Union with Christ supplies both pattern and power for believers. Old Testament Roots and Continuity Though the Greek term is New Testament, the concept appears throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Joseph flees Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:9). David spares Saul’s life (1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 26). Proverbs warns, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man without self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). These narratives foreshadow the Spirit-wrought self-control promised in the new covenant (Ezekiel 36:27). Early Church Teaching and Practice Early Christian catechesis stressed temperance alongside faith and love. The Didache exhorts believers to fast and be meek. Church fathers such as Clement of Alexandria viewed self-control as protection against pagan excess. Monastic movements pursued disciplined prayer and labor, reminding the Church of the need to keep temperance rooted in grace. Ministry Implications 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8 require overseers to be “self-controlled,” signaling that leadership credibility rests on personal restraint. In corporate worship it maintains order (1 Corinthians 14:32). In conflict resolution it curbs retaliation (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Emphasizing Spirit-empowered self-control safeguards ministries from scandal and fosters trust. Common Pitfalls and Exhortations • Legalism—substituting fleshly discipline for Spirit dependence. Believers are urged to “be sober-minded and alert” (1 Peter 5:8), guarding every arena lest the adversary gain a foothold. Connection to the Holy Spirit Self-control is ultimately the Spirit’s fruit; believers cooperate by “walking” and “keeping in step” with Him (Galatians 5:16, 25). Prayer, Scripture meditation, accountability, and the ordinances are channels through which the Spirit strengthens inner governance. Summary Engkrateia encapsulates Spirit-enabled discipline that brings thoughts, emotions, and actions under Christ’s rule. Though appearing only four times, its reach encompasses every aspect of discipleship. Grounded in Christ’s example, rooted in Old Testament wisdom, and essential for personal holiness and public witness, self-control remains a vital virtue for the Church until the day perfect conformity to Christ renders it instinctive. Forms and Transliterations εγκρατεια εγκρατεία εγκράτεια ἐγκρατείᾳ ἐγκράτεια εγκρατειαν εγκράτειαν ἐγκράτειαν εγκρατειας εγκρατείας ἐγκρατείας enkrateia enkráteia enkrateíāi enkrateian enkráteian enkrateias enkrateíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 24:25 N-GFSGRK: δικαιοσύνης καὶ ἐγκρατείας καὶ τοῦ NAS: righteousness, self-control and the judgment INT: righteousness and self-control and the Galatians 5:23 N-NFS 2 Peter 1:6 N-AFS 2 Peter 1:6 N-DFS Strong's Greek 1466 |
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