193. akratés

Lexicon

akratés: Without self-control, lacking self-discipline

Original Word: ἀκρατής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: akratés
Pronunciation: ah-krah-TACE
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-rat'-ace)
Definition: Without self-control, lacking self-discipline
Meaning: lacking self-control, powerless, inclined to excess.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Without self-control

From a (as a negative particle) and kratos; powerless, i.e. Without self-control -- incontinent.

see GREEK a

see GREEK kratos

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 193 akratḗs (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "without" and 2904 /krátos, "prevailing power") – properly, in continent, i.e. lacking self-control (self-discipline, self-restraint; used only in 2 Tim 3:3). See 192 (akrasia).

[193 (akratḗs) is the opposite (antonym) of 1468 /egkratḗs, "enabled from within" (see there).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and kratos
Definition
powerless, impotent
NASB Translation
without self-control (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 193: ἀκρατής

ἀκρατής, (ές, genitive (έος, (οῦς, (κράτος), without self-control, intemperate: 2 Timothy 3:3. (Frequently in secular writings from Plato and Xenophon down.)

Topical Lexicon

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

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀκρατής, the concept of self-control can be related to several Hebrew terms that convey restraint and discipline. One such term is מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret), which can imply a sense of guarding or keeping watch over oneself, as seen in various Old Testament passages that emphasize the importance of self-discipline and obedience to God's commandments.

Usage: The term ἀκρατής is used in the New Testament to describe a lack of self-control, particularly in moral or ethical contexts. It is often associated with behaviors that are contrary to the virtues of temperance and self-discipline.

Context: The Greek term ἀκρατής (akratēs) appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the importance of self-control as a Christian virtue. The word is used to describe individuals who are unable to restrain their desires or impulses, leading to behaviors that are inconsistent with the teachings of Christ.

In 2 Timothy 3:3, the Apostle Paul lists ἀκρατής among a series of negative traits that characterize people in the "last days." The passage reads: "unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good" (BSB). Here, ἀκρατής is translated as "without self-control," highlighting the moral decay and lack of discipline that will be prevalent in society.

The concept of self-control is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often linked with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the call to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. The absence of self-control, as indicated by ἀκρατής, is seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and maturity.

In the broader Greco-Roman world, self-control (ἐγκράτεια, enkrateia) was highly valued as a philosophical ideal, particularly among Stoic philosophers. The Christian understanding of self-control, however, is rooted in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to overcome the desires of the flesh and live in accordance with God's will.

Forms and Transliterations

ακρατεις ακρατείς ἀκρατεῖς akrateis akrateîs

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 3:3 Adj-NMP
GRK: ἄσπονδοι διάβολοι ἀκρατεῖς ἀνήμεροι ἀφιλάγαθοι
NAS: malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal,
KJV: false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
INT: unappeasable slanderers without self-control savage not lovers of good

Strong's Greek 193
1 Occurrence

ἀκρατεῖς — 1 Occ.