Lexical Summary egkrateuomai: To exercise self-control, to be temperate Original Word: ἐγκρατεύομαι 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 Originfrom egkratés Definition to exercise self-control NASB Translation exercises self-control (1), have self-control (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1467: ἐγκρατεύομαιἐγκρατεύομαι (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 Definition and Concept of ἐγκρατεύομαιThe verb ἐγκρατεύομαι describes the deliberate, Spirit-enabled restraint of one’s natural impulses, appetites, and passions. It is not negative repression but positive mastery, an active choosing of what glorifies God over what merely satisfies self. The term assumes that human desires are real and strong; yet it equally assumes that divine grace provides power to rule them rather than be ruled by them. Biblical Usage • 1 Corinthians 7:9 presents self-control as decisive for unmarried believers. Where continence is lacking, marriage is a God-honoring provision: “But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” • 1 Corinthians 9:25 places the same verb in an athletic metaphor: “Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.” Paul appeals to Corinth’s familiarity with the Isthmian Games to illustrate rigorous spiritual training aimed at eternal reward. Though the term occurs only these two times, its cognate noun ἐγκράτεια surfaces elsewhere (Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6), revealing a consistent biblical theme. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, athletes prepared for games through mandated periods of abstinence from sexual activity, rich food, and excessive wine. Philosophers—particularly the Stoics—extolled self-mastery as the path to virtue. Paul neither rejects these cultural ideals nor baptizes them uncritically; instead, he relocates their goal. The believer’s “crown” is not civic honor or personal calm but the imperishable reward granted by Christ. Theological Significance 1. Work of the Holy Spirit. Self-control is listed among the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, underlining that it is produced by regeneration rather than merely by human willpower. 2. Participation in Sanctification. While the power is divine, the practice is humanly exercised. Paul’s athletic imagery demands intentional cooperation: “I buffet my body and make it my slave” (1 Corinthians 9:27). 3. Protection of Purity. In 1 Corinthians 7, self-control guards against sexual immorality, validating marriage as a holy safeguard rather than a concession to weakness. 4. Qualification for Leadership. Related forms of the root appear in Titus 1:8, where an overseer must be “self-controlled.” The virtue thus moves from personal piety to corporate responsibility. Self-Control in the Life of Christ The Gospels portray Jesus fasting forty days (Matthew 4:2), rejecting Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:10), and enduring the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). His flawless restraint demonstrates both the model and the means: He relied on the Spirit and the Word, providing the pattern for His disciples. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Spiritual Disciplines. Regular habits of prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation, and stewardship cultivate the same mastery Paul commends. 2. Sexual Integrity. Counseling singles and married couples must emphasize Spirit-empowered control rather than legalistic suppression. 3. Substance Use and Health. The principle applies to addictions, gluttony, and bodily care, recognizing believers as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 4. Financial Stewardship. Restraining covetousness frees resources for gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). 5. Speech and Emotions. James 1:19-20 links slow speech and anger with righteousness, exemplifying self-control’s relational dimension. Relationship to the Fruit of the Spirit Self-control crowns the list in Galatians 5:22-23, functioning as a regulator of the other virtues. Love without restraint becomes indulgence; joy without restraint becomes folly. The Spirit’s fruit forms a unified whole, but self-control ensures their balanced expression. Implications for Personal Holiness Believers wage warfare not against flesh and blood alone but against internal desires (1 Peter 2:11). Mastery over these desires: • Protects conscience (1 Timothy 1:5). Contemporary Relevance Digital temptation, consumerist pressure, and instant gratification culture magnify the need for ἐγκρατεύομαι. Churches that teach and model disciplined grace offer a compelling alternative, demonstrating that the gospel not only forgives sin but reshapes desire until Christ is formed in His people. Summary Strong’s Greek 1467 spotlights a virtue indispensable to Christian life and ministry. Rooted in the Holy Spirit, illustrated by athletic rigor, and expressed through everyday choices, ἐγκρατεύομαι signals the believer’s joyful surrender of transient pleasures for the lasting crown the Lord promises to those who run with disciplined perseverance. Forms and Transliterations εγκρατείς εγκρατευεται εγκρατεύεται ἐγκρατεύεται εγκρατευονται εγκρατεύονται ἐγκρατεύονται ενεκρατευσάμην ενεκρατεύσατο enkrateuetai enkrateúetai enkrateuontai enkrateúontaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 7:9 V-PIM/P-3PGRK: 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 Strong's Greek 1467 |
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