Word Study for G1467 (ἐγκρατεύομαι)

enkrateúomai /eng-krat-yoo'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word

Meaningmiddle voice from ἐγκρατής; to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity)

KJV usagecan(-not) contain, be temperate.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of enkrateúomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word enkrateúomai, represented by G1467, means to exercise self-restraint, particularly in the areas of diet and chastity. It appears 3 times in 2 unique verses, where it is translated as being temperate or the ability to contain. Its rare usage highlights very specific applications of self-control in the Christian life.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical contexts, G1467 is used to describe two distinct forms of self-discipline. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, it is used in an analogy of athletic competition, where a person who "striveth for the mastery" must be temperate in all things to win an incorruptible crown. In 1 Corinthians 7:9, the word addresses the topic of marriage and desire, stating that if people cannot contain themselves, it is better for them to marry than to burn.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of G1467:

G75 agōnízomai (to struggle, fight, strive): This word is directly linked to self-restraint in 1 Corinthians 9:25, showing that those who strive for the mastery must also be temperate.
G1060 gaméō (to wed, marry): This is presented as the proper course of action for those who lack the self-restraint to contain their desires 1 Corinthians 7:9.
G4448 pyróō (to be ignited, burn, be inflamed with lust): This word describes the alternative to marriage for one who cannot contain themselves, highlighting the intensity of the desire that requires self-control 1 Corinthians 7:9.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1467 is focused on practical Christian discipline.

Spiritual Striving: The call to be temperate is framed as a requirement for those competing for a spiritual prize. It connects self-control directly to the pursuit of an "incorruptible" crown, making it an essential part of the believer's spiritual contest 1 Corinthians 9:25.
Chastity and Marriage: The word establishes a framework for managing physical desire. It affirms self-restraint (to contain) as a virtue, while also providing marriage as a righteous path for those who find it a struggle, thereby preventing them from "burning" with passion 1 Corinthians 7:9.

Summary

In summary, G1467 is a potent and specific term for self-control. Though used infrequently, it powerfully illustrates that exercising restraint is fundamental to the Christian walk, whether in the broad discipline required to win a heavenly prize or in the specific management of personal desires. It shows that self-control is a key component in a life that honors God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×

Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive Deponent: Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive: Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in 1 Corinthians — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.