ἀκρασία (akrasia)
akrasia
self-indulgence
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun akrasia describes a state of lacking self-control or being overcome by one’s desires. It denotes a failure to restrain impulses, often resulting in intemperance or indulgence that overrides reason. The word captures the internal struggle where willpower is insufficient to govern behavior.
Its etymology points to this weakness: it combines a negative prefix with kratos, meaning "strength" or "power," literally signifying a lack of strength or mastery over oneself. This aligns with its usage in Matthew 23:25 and 1 Corinthians 7:5, where it highlights the danger of being dominated by physical urges rather than exercising disciplined restraint.
Translators typically render this term as "self-indulgence" or "lack of self-control." The concept emphasizes not just the act itself but the underlying condition of the person who cannot hold back their appetites, making it a significant term for understanding moral failure in these biblical contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akrasia describes a moment when our desires overpower our better judgment. It is not just about making a mistake; it is about being overwhelmed by an impulse that we know we should resist. This internal struggle is a shared human experience, reminding us that self-control is often harder to maintain than we expect.
In 1 Corinthians 7:5, Paul mentions this weakness in the context of marriage and prayer. He acknowledges that physical urges can become so strong that they distract from spiritual focus. Recognizing this vulnerability helps us approach our relationships and our faith with honesty rather than pretense.
Understanding akrasia invites us to rely on grace when our own willpower falls short. It encourages humility, showing that we need support to navigate the tensions between our physical needs and our spiritual goals. This awareness can lead to deeper compassion for ourselves and others as we seek balance in daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- self-indulgence.1×
- lack of self-control1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκρασίας.1×
- ἀκρασίαν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 23:25
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness.
Although the Greek text here is complex and often translated as 'unrighteousness,' this occurrence links the internal state of corruption with external hypocrisy, highlighting how unchecked desires affect one's spiritual condition.