Original Word: ἀκρατής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: akratés
Pronunciation: ah-krah-TACE
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-rat'-ace)
Definition: lacking self-control, powerless, inclined to excess.
Meaning: Lacking self-control; without power over oneself; intemperate.

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.

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).]

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

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.)

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

Forms and Transliterations

ακρατεις ακρατείς ἀκρατεῖς akrateis akrateîs

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts