Lexical Summary akratés: Without self-control, lacking self-discipline Original Word: ἀκρατής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Without self-controlFrom 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 Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and kratos Definition powerless, impotent NASB Translation without self-control (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 193: ἀκρατήςἀκρατής, (ές, genitive (έος, (οῦς, (κράτος), without self-control, intemperate: 2 Timothy 3:3. (Frequently in secular writings from Plato and Xenophon down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 193 (ἀκρατής, occurring in the plural ἀκρατεῖς in 2 Timothy 3:3) depicts the state of being without self-control or moral restraint. Scripture places this trait among the defining sins of the last days, making it a critical warning sign for believers and ministers alike. New Testament Usage 2 Timothy 3:1-5 lists “without self-control” amid nineteen vices that will characterize humanity “in the last days.” The sequence shows moral dissolution progressing from internal attitudes (“lovers of self”) to social breakdown (“treacherous”) and culminates in a counterfeit religiosity (“holding to a form of godliness but denying its power”). The single appearance underscores intensity rather than frequency; a lack of restraint is so ruinous that one instance sufficiently marks the perilous times. Lack of Self-Control in the Prophetic Portrait of the Last Days Paul warns Timothy that these vices will infiltrate the broader culture and threaten the church. “Turn away from such as these” (2 Timothy 3:5) is an imperative to guard fellowship from corruption. The absence of self-control exposes people to every other sin in the list—pride, brutality, irreverence—because they no longer govern their appetites by God’s standard. Old Testament Foundations The Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly link moral restraint to wisdom. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). When Israel ignored the Law’s boundaries, chaos and judgment followed (Judges 17–21). These narratives establish a biblical continuity: where restraint disappears, covenant life unravels. Contrasting Virtue: Self-Control as Fruit of the Spirit While ἀκρατής describes the vice, its antonym ἐγκράτεια (self-control) crowns the Spirit’s fruit: “Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Peter exhorts believers, “Make every effort to add to your faith… self-control” (2 Peter 1:5-6). The gospel therefore does more than condemn intemperance; it offers transforming grace that produces disciplined lives. Historical and Cultural Context Greco-Roman ethics prized moderation (σωφροσύνη), yet even pagan moralists lamented widespread intemperance. Paul writes from within that milieu but pronounces a uniquely eschatological verdict: unchecked passions herald the last days and reveal estrangement from God. Early Christian apologists adopted the theme, contrasting the church’s disciplined communities with Rome’s decadence. Ministry Implications 1. Pastoral vigilance: Leaders must model and teach restraint (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8). Pastoral and Discipleship Application • Cultivate spiritual practices—prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation—that train believers to say no to fleshly impulses (Romans 13:14). Eschatological Warning and Hope The peril of ἀκρατεῖς signals approaching judgment, yet grace offers deliverance. Titus 2:11-12 declares, “For the grace of God has appeared… instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions.” Where society celebrates unrestrained appetite, the church proclaims Christ’s redemptive power to create self-controlled, Spirit-filled people who anticipate His appearing “with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). Forms and Transliterations ακρατεις ακρατείς ἀκρατεῖς akrateis akrateîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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