ἐγκράτεια
enkráteia
G1466 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The state or quality of possessing self-mastery; active control or restraint over one's impulses, desires, or actions (particularly in matters of appetite, sexuality, or speech). In broader contexts, the term denotes an inward strength or self-governance that regulates behavior and passions, sometimes with specific reference to abstinence or moderation in ethical or philosophical discourse.
Semantic Range
self-control, self-mastery, restraint (esp. of appetites or passions), continence, temperance, moderation, inward strength or discipline
Root / Etymology
From ἐγκρατής (enkratēs, meaning 'having power over oneself, self-controlled'), which itself derives from ἐν (en, 'in, within') and κράτος (kratos, 'strength, power'). The compound signifies inner power or mastery.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐγκράτεια was a virtue prized in philosophical schools such as those of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, where it referred to rational self-mastery and the suppression of irrational passions. In the Hellenistic period, the term retained this sense of philosophical virtuosity. In the Septuagint, it is rare but may be used to render Hebrew concepts of self-mastery. In the New Testament, ἐγκράτεια appears as a fruit of the Spirit (e.g., Galatians 5:23), emphasizing mindful restraint over bodily passions or desires. Standard English translations ('self-control,' 'temperance') often focus on sexual continence or abstention, but the term encompasses a broader ethical discipline. Not synonymous with ἀκρασία (lack of self-control) or σωφροσύνη (soundness of mind, prudence), though related; ἐγκράτεια centers specifically on the capacity for inward control rather than solely rational moderation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐγκρατής; self-control (especially continence):--temperance.
Root Family
ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) — self-mastery, inner strength, restraint, moderation
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1466-02 |
ἐνκράτεια | enkrateia | N NOM F SG |
self-control | self-mastery | self-mastery | 2 |
G1466-01 |
ἐγκρατείας | egkrateias | N GEN F SG |
self-control | of self-mastery | self-mastery | 1 |
G1466-03 |
ἐνκράτειαν | enkrateian | N ACC F SG |
self-control | self-mastery | self-mastery | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1466-01 |
Acts 24:25 | ἐγκρατείας | egkrateias | N GEN F SG |
self-control | of self-mastery | self-mastery |
G1466-02 |
Galatians 5:23 | ἐνκράτεια | enkrateia | N NOM F SG |
self-control | self-mastery | self-mastery |
G1466-03 |
2 Peter 1:6 | ἐνκράτειαν | enkrateian | N ACC F SG |
self-control | self-mastery | self-mastery |
G1466-02 |
2 Peter 1:6 | ἐνκρατείᾳ | enkrateia | N DAT F SG |
self-control | self-mastery | self-mastery |