842. autarkés

Lexicon

autarkés: Self-sufficient, content

Original Word: αὐτάρκης
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: autarkés
Pronunciation: ow-TAR-kace
Phonetic Spelling: (ow-tar'-kace)
Definition: Self-sufficient, content
Meaning: self-sufficient, contented, satisfied, independent.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

content.

From autos and arkeo; self-complacent, i.e. Contented -- content.

see GREEK autos

see GREEK arkeo

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 842 autárkēs (the adjectival form of 841 /autárkeia, "contentment") – properly, self-sufficient, content in the sense of being satisfied because living in God's content (fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in "low times" (suffering) as in "high times" (temporal prosperity). See 841 (autarkeia).

842 /autárkēs ("sufficiency within") occurs only in Phil 4:11 where it refers to positive self-sufficiency (inward adequacy) – i.e. that comes through the indwelling power of Christ.

[842 (autárkēs) comes from autos ("self") and arkein ("sufficient") meaning "self"-sufficiency, which is entirely God-produced.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from autos and arkeó
Definition
self-sufficient, sufficient
NASB Translation
content (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 842: αὐτάρκης

αὐτάρκης (on the accent see Chandler § 705), ἀυταρκες, (αὐτός, ἀρκέω) (from Aeschylus down), "sufficient for oneself, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support; independent of external circumstances"; often in Greek writings from (Aeschylus and) Herodotus 1, 32 down. Subjectively, contented with one's lot, with one's means, though the slenderest: Philippians 4:11 (so Sir. 40:18; Polybius 6, 48, 7; (Diogenes Laërtius 2, 24 of Socrates, αὐτάρκης καί σεμνός). (Cf. αὐτάρκεια).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from αὐτός (autos, "self") and ἀρκέω (arkeō, "to suffice" or "to be content")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for αὐτάρκης, the concept of contentment and sufficiency can be related to Hebrew terms such as שָׂבַע (sava, Strong's 7646), meaning "to be satisfied" or "to have enough," and שָׁלוֹם (shalom, Strong's 7965), which encompasses peace and completeness. These terms reflect similar themes of satisfaction and sufficiency found in the Old Testament.

Usage: • The term αὐτάρκης is used in the New Testament to describe a state of contentment or sufficiency, particularly in relation to one's material or spiritual condition.

Context: • The Greek word αὐτάρκης appears in the New Testament in the context of Christian contentment and self-sufficiency. It is notably used by the Apostle Paul in his epistles to convey the idea of being content with what one has, regardless of external circumstances. This concept is rooted in the understanding that true sufficiency comes from reliance on God rather than material wealth or external conditions.

• In Philippians 4:11, Paul writes, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances." Here, αὐτάρκης is translated as "content," reflecting Paul's teaching that contentment is a learned state, achieved through faith and trust in God's provision.

• The idea of αὐτάρκης is also linked to the virtue of self-control and the ability to maintain peace and satisfaction in various life situations. It emphasizes a spiritual maturity that transcends the need for external validation or material abundance.

• The concept of αὐτάρκης aligns with the broader biblical theme of trusting in God's sufficiency. It encourages believers to find their fulfillment and satisfaction in their relationship with God, rather than in the transient and often unreliable nature of worldly possessions.

Forms and Transliterations

αυτάρκη αυταρκης αυτάρκης αὐτάρκης αυτόθι autarkes autarkēs autárkes autárkēs

Englishman's Concordance

Philippians 4:11 Adj-NMS
GRK: οἷς εἰμὶ αὐτάρκης εἶναι
NAS: for I have learned to be content in whatever
KJV: I am, [therewith] to be content.
INT: whatever [circumstances] I am content to be

Strong's Greek 842
1 Occurrence

αὐτάρκης — 1 Occ.