ἐγκρατεύομαι

Pronunciation Guide: eng-krat-yoo’-om-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1467: ἐγκρατεύομαι (egkrateuomai) refers to the exercise of self-control, particularly in the context of mastering one’s desires and passions. It describes the spiritual discipline of restraining oneself from indulgence and maintaining mastery over one’s physical and emotional impulses. The term conveys the idea of inner strength and moral fortitude that allows a believer to live in accordance with godly principles rather than being driven by worldly appetites.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (middle voice)
• Derived from the adjective ἐγκρατής (egkratēs, G1468), meaning “self-controlled” or “having power over”
• Compound word from ἐν (en, “in”) + κράτος (kratos, “strength, power”)
• Primarily used in didactic (teaching) sections of the New Testament
• Middle voice indicates the subject both performs and receives the benefit of the action

ἐγκρατεύομαι Morphology:

• ἐγκρατεύομαι (1st person singular present indicative middle) – I exercise self-control
• ἐγκρατεύεται (3rd person singular present indicative middle) – he/she exercises self-control
• ἐγκρατεύεσθε (2nd person plural present indicative middle) – you all exercise self-control
• ἐγκρατεύσασθαι (aorist infinitive middle) – to exercise self-control

Origin & History

The concept of self-control represented by ἐγκρατεύομαι has deep roots in Greek philosophical thought, particularly in Stoic philosophy where it was considered a cardinal virtue. In classical Greek literature, the related term ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) was highly valued by philosophers like Aristotle, who in his “Nicomachean Ethics” described it as mastery over one’s desires and passions. Plato, in “The Republic,” similarly praised the virtue of self-restraint as essential for a well-ordered soul.

In the Septuagint (LXX), while ἐγκρατεύομαι itself is rare, the related noun ἐγκράτεια appears in contexts emphasizing moral restraint and self-discipline. When the New Testament writers adopted this term, they infused it with deeper spiritual significance, transforming it from merely a philosophical virtue to a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and an essential characteristic of the godly life. The early Church Fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” further developed the concept, emphasizing that true Christian ἐγκράτεια wasn’t merely abstinence but the positive directing of one’s desires toward God.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The exercise of self-restraint in the face of temptation or desire
• The spiritual discipline of controlling one’s bodily appetites
• The mastery of one’s emotions and impulses through the power of the Holy Spirit
• The ability to subordinate personal desires to godly principles
• The practice of temperance and moderation in all aspects of life

ἐγκρατεύομαι Translation Options:

• “Exercise self-control” – Emphasizes the active, ongoing nature of the discipline
• “Practice self-restraint” – Highlights the habitual, practiced aspect of the virtue
• “Master oneself” – Captures the idea of sovereignty over one’s own impulses
• “Maintain self-discipline” – Conveys the consistent, maintained nature of the action
• “Show temperance” – Reflects the balanced, moderate approach to desires

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἐγκρατεύομαι appears only twice but in significant contexts that illuminate its importance in Christian living. In 1 Corinthians 7:9, Paul uses it when advising unmarried believers about sexual restraint, suggesting that marriage is better than burning with passion for those who cannot exercise self-control. This usage reveals that ἐγκρατεύομαι involves not just minor preferences but powerful human desires that require spiritual discipline to master.

The other occurrence in 1 Corinthians 9:25 draws a parallel between athletes training for competition and believers living the Christian life. Paul notes that athletes exercise self-control (ἐγκρατεύομαι) in all things to win a perishable crown, whereas believers discipline themselves for an imperishable one. This athletic metaphor underscores that ἐγκρατεύομαι involves rigorous training, discipline, and sacrifice for a greater purpose – not merely occasional restraint but a comprehensive lifestyle of self-mastery.

• “But if they cannot exercise self-control [ἐγκρατεύονται], they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” 1 Corinthians 7:9
• “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control [ἐγκρατεύεται] in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, athletic contests were highly esteemed cultural events. The Olympic games and other Panhellenic festivals were not merely sporting events but religious and cultural celebrations. Athletes underwent rigorous training regimens that included strict dietary restrictions, sexual abstinence, and other forms of self-denial. This training period, called “askesis” (from which we get the word “ascetic”), typically lasted ten months and was supervised by trainers who enforced harsh discipline.

When Paul uses ἐγκρατεύομαι in 1 Corinthians 9:25, his audience would have immediately recognized this athletic metaphor. The Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, were second only to the Olympics in importance. Corinthian believers would have witnessed firsthand the extreme self-discipline of athletes who competed for a wreath of wilted celery or pine (the “perishable crown”). Paul’s comparison would have been particularly striking – if athletes exercise such discipline for temporary glory, how much more should believers practice self-control for eternal rewards?

Theological Significance

The concept of ἐγκρατεύομαι reveals a profound theological truth about human nature and spiritual transformation. Unlike Greek philosophical thought which viewed self-control as achievable through human willpower alone, the New Testament presents it as both a human responsibility and a divine gift – a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). This paradox highlights the cooperation between human effort and divine grace in the process of sanctification.

ἐγκρατεύομαι also reflects the biblical understanding of human freedom. True freedom in Scripture is not the absence of restraint but the ability to live according to God’s design. When believers exercise self-control, they are not merely suppressing desires but redirecting them toward their proper object – Yahweh Himself. This aligns with Augustine’s famous observation that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. Self-control, then, is not about denial for its own sake but about cultivating desires that align with God’s purpose for human flourishing.

Furthermore, ἐγκρατεύομαι connects to the broader biblical theme of the lordship of the Messiah Jesus. When believers exercise self-control, they demonstrate that their bodies and desires are subject to a higher authority. This reflects the reality that we are not our own but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and are called to glorify God with our bodies.

Personal Application

Practicing ἐγκρατεύομαι in today’s world of instant gratification presents a profound counter-cultural witness. In a society that often equates freedom with unrestricted self-expression, the biblical call to self-control reminds us that true liberty comes through mastering our impulses rather than being mastered by them. This doesn’t mean adopting a joyless asceticism but rather finding deeper satisfaction in bringing our desires under the lordship of the Messiah.

Begin by identifying areas where lack of self-control impacts your spiritual life – perhaps in speech, eating, entertainment choices, anger, or sexual desires. Rather than relying solely on willpower, remember that ἐγκρατεύομαι is fundamentally a fruit of the Spirit. Seek first a deeper relationship with God through prayer and meditation on Scripture, asking Him to transform your desires from within. Like an athlete training for competition, understand that developing self-control requires consistent practice, accountability, and a clear vision of the “imperishable crown” that awaits those who persevere in faith.

Related Words

• ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) – self-control, temperance, mastery over one’s desires and passions; the noun form related to our verb. See G1466
• ἐγκρατής (enkratēs) – self-controlled, disciplined, having power over oneself; the adjective from which our verb derives. See G1468
• σωφροσύνη (sōphrosunē) – soundness of mind, moderation, self-control with emphasis on sound judgment rather than restraint of desires. See G4997
• νήφω (nēphō) – to be sober, vigilant, clear-headed; often used metaphorically for spiritual alertness. See G3525
• χαλιναγωγέω (chalinagōgeō) – to bridle, to hold in check, to restrain; uses the metaphor of bridling a horse. See G5468

Did you Know?

• Did you know that ancient Olympic athletes who violated their oath of self-control (ἐγκράτεια) during training were publicly shamed? They would be forced to pay for statues of Zeus called “Zanes” that lined the entrance to the Olympic stadium, each inscribed with the name of the disgraced athlete and his violation. These statues served as perpetual reminders that greatness requires self-discipline – a powerful visual parallel to Paul’s metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:25.
• Did you know that in ancient rabbinic teaching, a person who could control their appetite was considered worthy of special honor? The Talmud states, “Who is mighty? One who conquers his impulse” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). This Jewish background adds depth to Paul’s use of ἐγκρατεύομαι, suggesting that his teaching on self-control would have resonated with the Jewish understanding that mastery over one’s passions was a sign of spiritual maturity and strength.
• Did you know that the modern Greek word εγκράτεια (the noun form related to our verb) is still used today in Greek Orthodox spirituality? It refers to the practice of fasting and self-restraint, particularly during Great Lent. This ongoing usage preserves the connection between physical discipline and spiritual growth that was central to Paul’s understanding of ἐγκρατεύομαι.

Remember This

ἐγκρατεύομαι reveals that true freedom is not found in unbridled self-expression but in Spirit-empowered self-control that redirects our desires toward their Creator and true fulfillment.