ἐγκρατής
enkratḗs
G1468 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having mastery or power over oneself; exercising self-control, especially over impulses and desires. In moral or behavioral contexts, refers to one who controls appetites or passions; characterized by self-restraint or temperance. Used particularly in relation to personal discipline and the ability to govern one's own conduct or emotions.
Semantic Range
self-controlled, mastering oneself, exercising self-restraint, temperate, possessing mastery or dominion over one's impulses or desires, morally disciplined
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐν ('in, within') and the noun κράτος ('strength, power, dominion'), forming an adjective that means 'having power within'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word ἐγκρατής appears in classical Greek sources meaning 'powerful over oneself' or 'continent,' especially with regard to self-mastery over bodily appetites and emotions (e.g., Plato, Aristotle). In Hellenistic moral philosophy, notably Stoicism, it denotes the virtue of self-control, contrasting with ἀκρατής ('without power over oneself,' i.e., lacking self-control). In the New Testament (e.g., Titus 1:8), ἐγκρατής occurs in lists of virtues expected in community leaders, emphasizing disciplined self-governance. The English translation 'temperate' historically conveys a broader sense of moderation, but may obscure the word's emphasis on personal mastery and restraint over one's impulses, which extends beyond simple moderation to active self-command. In the Septuagint and wider Koine literature, this term often relates specifically to restraint in matters such as food, drink, and sexuality, but also more generally to moral discipline. Related noun: ἐγκράτεια (self-control, mastery).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and κράτος; strong in a thing (masterful), i.e. (figuratively and reflexively) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.):--temperate.
Root Family
ἐγκρατής (enkratēs) — having power within, self-mastery, self-control, exercising dominion over oneself
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1468-01 |
ἐγκρατῆ | egkrate | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
self-controlled | self-mastering one | self-mastering one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1468-01 |
Titus 1:8 | ἐγκρατῆ | egkrate | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
self-controlled | self-mastering one | self-mastering one |