1467. egkrateuomai

Lexicon

egkrateuomai: To exercise self-control, to be temperate

Original Word: ἐγκρατεύομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: egkrateuomai
Pronunciation: eng-kra-TEU-o-mai
Phonetic Spelling: (eng-krat-yoo'-om-ahee)
Definition: To exercise self-control, to be temperate
Meaning: I exercise self-control, am continent.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

contain, be temperate.

Middle voice from egkrates; to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity) -- can(-not) contain, be temperate.

see GREEK egkrates

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1467 egkrateúomai – properly, to exercise self control – literally "exercising dominion, from within." See 1466 (enkrateia).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from egkratés
Definition
to exercise self-control
NASB Translation
exercises self-control (1), have self-control (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1467: ἐγκρατεύομαι

ἐγκρατεύομαι (see ἐν, III. 3); depon, middle; to be self-controlled, continent (ἐγκρατής); to exhibit self-government, conduct oneself temperately: (used absolutely in Genesis 43:30); with the dative of respect, τῇ γλώσσῃ, Sir. 19:6 variant; πάντα, in everything, every way, 1 Corinthians 9:25 (in a figure drawn from athletes, who in preparing themselves for the games abstained from unwholesome food, wine, and sexual indulgence); οὐκ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι, said of those who cannot curb sexual desire, 1 Corinthians 7:9. Though this word does not occur in the earlier Greek writings that have come down to us (except in Aristotle, eth. Eudem. 2, 7, p. 1223{b}, 13th edition, Bekker), yet its use is approved of by Phrynichus; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 442; (Winer's Grammar, 25).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἐγκρατής (enkratēs), meaning "strong" or "self-controlled."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐγκρατεύομαι, the concept of self-control can be related to several Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas of restraint and discipline. Some of these include:

- H4623 מְעָצָר (ma'atsar): Restraint, control.
- H7307 רוּחַ (ruach): Often translated as "spirit," but in certain contexts, it can imply control over one's spirit or temper (e.g., Proverbs 16:32: "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who captures a city").

These Hebrew terms reflect the broader biblical theme of self-control as an essential virtue for those who seek to live a life pleasing to God.

Usage: The verb ἐγκρατεύομαι is used in the New Testament to describe the act of exercising self-control or restraint, particularly in the context of moral and spiritual discipline.

Context: The Greek verb ἐγκρατεύομαι appears in the New Testament as a call to believers to exercise self-control, a virtue that is integral to Christian living. This term is closely associated with the concept of temperance, which is one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:23. The idea of self-control is not merely about abstaining from excesses but involves a comprehensive mastery over one's desires and actions, aligning them with the will of God.

In 1 Corinthians 9:25, the Apostle Paul uses ἐγκρατεύομαι to illustrate the discipline required by athletes: "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of self-control in the Christian race, drawing a parallel between the rigorous training of athletes and the spiritual discipline required of believers.

The concept of self-control is also highlighted in 1 Corinthians 7:9, where Paul advises those who are unmarried and struggling with passions to marry, as it is better to marry than to burn with passion. This underscores the practical application of self-control in managing one's desires in a way that honors God.

Self-control is a recurring theme in the pastoral epistles, where it is often linked with other virtues such as righteousness and godliness. In Titus 1:8, elders are exhorted to be self-controlled, among other qualities, as part of their qualifications for leadership in the church.

Overall, ἐγκρατεύομαι is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a commitment to live in accordance with the Spirit, resisting the temptations of the flesh, and pursuing holiness.

Forms and Transliterations

εγκρατείς εγκρατευεται εγκρατεύεται ἐγκρατεύεται εγκρατευονται εγκρατεύονται ἐγκρατεύονται ενεκρατευσάμην ενεκρατεύσατο enkrateuetai enkrateúetai enkrateuontai enkrateúontai

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 7:9 V-PIM/P-3P
GRK: δὲ οὐκ ἐγκρατεύονται γαμησάτωσαν κρεῖττον
NAS: But if they do not have self-control, let them marry;
KJV: cannot contain, let them marry:
INT: moreover not they have self-control let them marry better

1 Corinthians 9:25 V-PIM/P-3S
GRK: ἀγωνιζόμενος πάντα ἐγκρατεύεται ἐκεῖνοι μὲν
NAS: who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.
KJV: that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
INT: strives in all things controls himself they indeed

Strong's Greek 1467
2 Occurrences

ἐγκρατεύεται — 1 Occ.
ἐγκρατεύονται — 1 Occ.