ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia)
egkrateia
self-control
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun egkrateia denotes self-control, specifically the virtue of mastering one’s desires and passions. It describes a person who holds their sensual appetites in check rather than being driven by them. This concept appears in only three New Testament verses, giving it a concentrated theological weight despite its low frequency.
Its usage highlights a disciplined character essential for spiritual growth. Paul lists it as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23, showing it as a divine enablement rather than mere human willpower. Peter includes it in his ladder of virtues in 2 Peter 1:6, linking it closely to godliness and knowledge. Even in Acts 24:25, Felix trembles when Paul speaks about this self-control alongside righteousness and judgment.
The word’s strength lies in its active sense of mastery. It is not passive restraint but an engaged holding of one’s impulses in check. This distinction separates it from simple abstinence; egkrateia implies a positive governance of the inner life, aligning human behavior with divine order through the Spirit’s work.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Self-control, or egkrateia, is more than just saying no to bad habits. It is a positive mastery over our inner impulses, guided by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:23, Paul lists it as a fruit of the Spirit, showing that this discipline comes from God’s work in us, not just our own willpower.
This virtue helps us align our daily choices with divine order. When we practice self-control, we are not merely restraining ourselves but actively governing our hearts to reflect Christ. It is a gift that strengthens our character and supports our spiritual growth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- self-control2×
- self-control;1×
- self-control,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγκράτειαν,1×
- ἐγκράτεια·1×
- ἐγκρατείᾳ1×
- ἐγκρατείας1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 5:23
gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This verse identifies self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing it as a divine enablement rather than mere human effort.
-
II Peter 1:6
and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness;
Peter places self-control in a sequence of virtues, showing it builds upon knowledge and leads to perseverance and godliness.
-
Acts 24:25
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
Felix’s fear when Paul spoke about self-control highlights its connection to righteousness and the coming judgment.