192. akrasia

Lexicon

akrasia: Lack of self-control, incontinence

Original Word: ἀκρασία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: akrasia
Pronunciation: ah-krah-SEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-ras-ee'-a)
Definition: Lack of self-control, incontinence
Meaning: incontinence, intemperance (in wide sense), lack of restraint.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

to lack of self-control, self-indulgence

From akrates; want of self-restraint -- excess, incontinency.

see GREEK akrates

HELPS Word-studies

192 akrasía (from 1 /A "not" and 2904 /krátos, "prevail") – properly, without prevailing (taking dominion), i.e. the inability to maintain control; (figuratively) without self-control and hence mastered by personal appetites (urges).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from akratés
Definition
want of power
NASB Translation
lack of self-control (1), self-indulgence (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 192: ἀκρασία

ἀκρασία, (ας, ἡ (ἀκρατής), want of self-control, incontinence, intemperance: Matthew 23:25 (Griesbach ἀδικία); 1 Corinthians 7:5. Cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 524f. ((Aristotle on.))

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix ἀ- (a-, "without") and κράτος (kratos, "power" or "control").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀκρασία, the concept of self-control and its absence can be related to various Hebrew terms that describe discipline, restraint, and moral conduct. For example, the Hebrew word מִשְׁמַר (mishmar, Strong's 4929) can convey the idea of keeping watch or guarding oneself, which aligns with the notion of self-control. Additionally, the concept of foolishness or lack of wisdom, often associated with a lack of self-control, can be linked to the Hebrew word אִוֶּלֶת (ivvelet, Strong's 200), meaning folly or foolishness.

Usage: The term ἀκρασία is used in the New Testament to describe a state of lacking self-control or discipline, often in the context of moral or ethical behavior.

Context: The Greek term ἀκρασία appears in the New Testament to denote a condition where an individual lacks self-control or restraint, particularly in moral or ethical contexts. This concept is significant in Christian teachings, as self-control is considered a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The absence of self-control, therefore, is viewed as a moral failing that can lead to various forms of sin and ethical lapses.

In the Berean Standard Bible, ἀκρασία is found in 1 Corinthians 7:5, where Paul advises married couples not to deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that they may devote themselves to prayer. He warns them to come together again so that Satan will not tempt them because of their lack of self-control (ἀκρασία). This usage highlights the practical implications of ἀκρασία in the context of marital relations, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and the dangers of neglecting one's duties due to a lack of self-discipline.

The concept of ἀκρασία is also relevant in broader discussions of Christian ethics, where believers are encouraged to cultivate self-control as part of their spiritual growth and maturity. The lack of self-control can lead to behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, making it a critical area of focus for personal development and community life within the church.

Forms and Transliterations

ακρασιαν ακρασίαν ἀκρασίαν ακρασιας ακρασίας ἀκρασίας akrasian akrasían akrasias akrasías

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 23:25 N-GFS
GRK: ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας
NAS: of robbery and self-indulgence.
KJV: extortion and excess.
INT: robbery and self-indulgence

1 Corinthians 7:5 N-AFS
GRK: διὰ τὴν ἀκρασίαν ὑμῶν
NAS: you because of your lack of self-control.
KJV: for your incontinency.
INT: because of the lack of self-control of you

Strong's Greek 192
2 Occurrences

ἀκρασίαν — 1 Occ.
ἀκρασίας — 1 Occ.