Original Word: ἐγκρατής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: egkratés
Pronunciation: eng-krah-TACE
Phonetic Spelling: (eng-krat-ace')
Definition: Self-controlled, temperate
Meaning: self-controlled.

temperate.

From en and kratos; strong in a thing (masterful), i.e. (figuratively and reflexively) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.) -- temperate.

see GREEK en

see GREEK kratos

Cognate: 1468 egkratḗs(see 1466 /egkráteia) – properly, self-controlled – literally, "mastered from within" (used only in Tit 1:8); "originally, 'having power over; possessed of'; hence, 'controlling, keeping in hand,' . . . 'temperance' " (WS, 1074). See 1466 (enkrateia).

Word Origin
from en and kratos
Definition
strong, master of, self-controlled
NASB Translation
self-controlled (1).

STRONGS NT 1468: ἐγκρατής

ἐγκρατής (see ἐν, III. 3), ἐγκρατες (κράτος);

1. properly, equivalent to ὁ ἐν κράτει ὤν, strong, robust: Aeschylus, Thucydides, and following.

2. having power over, possessed of (a thing), with a genitive of the object; so from (Sophocles and) Herodotus down.

3. mastering, controlling, curbing, restraining: ἀφροδισιων, Xenophon, mere. 1, 2, 1; ἠδωνης, ibid. 4, 5, 10; ἑαυτοῦ, Plato; absolutely (without a genitive), controlling oneself, temperate, continent, ((Aristotle, eth. Nic. 7, 4, p. 1146{b}, 10ff); Sir. 26:15; Wis. 8:21; Philo de Jos. § 11): Titus 1:8.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek preposition "ἐν" (en, meaning "in" or "within") and the verb "κρατέω" (krateō, meaning "to have power" or "to control").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐγκρατής, the concept of self-control can be related to Hebrew terms such as "תַּעֲצוּם" (ta'atzum, meaning "strength" or "power") and "שָׁלַט" (shalat, meaning "to have dominion" or "to rule"), which convey the idea of having control or mastery over oneself or a situation.

Usage: The word ἐγκρατής is used in the New Testament to describe a person who exercises self-control, particularly in the context of moral and spiritual discipline. It is often associated with the virtues expected of believers.

Context: The concept of ἐγκρατής is integral to the Christian understanding of personal discipline and moral integrity. In the New Testament, self-control is frequently highlighted as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and is considered essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of self-control in various aspects of life, including speech, behavior, and desires.

In Titus 1:8, Paul lists self-control as a qualification for church leaders, indicating its significance in maintaining a blameless and upright character. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "Rather, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."

The virtue of self-control is not only a personal attribute but also a communal one, as it contributes to the harmony and edification of the church body. Believers are encouraged to exercise self-control in their interactions with others, ensuring that their conduct reflects the teachings of Christ.

Theologically, ἐγκρατής is understood as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, enabling them to resist sinful impulses and live according to God's will. It is a discipline that requires continual effort and reliance on divine strength.

εγκρατη εγκρατή ἐγκρατῆ enkrate enkratê enkratē enkratē̂Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts