### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐγκρατεύομαι (enkrateúomai) `{{G1467}}` is derived from the adjective ἐγκρατής (enkratēs), which means "having power over oneself, self-controlled, temperate." The root components are ἐν (en, "in") and κράτος (kratos, "strength, power, dominion"). Thus, the core meaning of ἐγκρατεύομαι is to exercise power or control *over oneself*, to be master of one's own impulses and desires.
As a verb in the middle voice, it emphasizes that the subject is actively performing this self-mastery upon themselves. Its semantic range, as indicated by its base definition, specifically includes "self-restraint (in diet and chastity)." This points to a disciplined control over physical appetites and passions, but its usage in the New Testament also demonstrates a broader application to general self-discipline and rigorous training. It is an active, ongoing process of temperance and mastery over one's own will and body.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐγκρατεύομαι `{{G1467}}` appears twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, offering crucial insights into its practical application:
* **[[1 Corinthians 7:9]]:** "But if they cannot exercise self-control (οὐκ ἐγκρατεύονται), let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." Here, the word directly addresses the issue of sexual continence. Paul advises those who lack the ability to control their sexual desires to marry, thereby providing a legitimate outlet for those desires and preventing immorality. This highlights ἐγκρατεύομαι as a necessary discipline for maintaining purity and order within the community, particularly in the context of singleness. The inability to ἐγκρατεύομαι in this context leads to "burning" (πυροῦσθαι), signifying intense, potentially destructive passion.
* **[[1 Corinthians 9:25]]:** "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control (πάντα ἐγκρατεύεται) in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." In this passage, Paul uses the vivid analogy of an athlete's rigorous training. The athlete "exercises self-control in *all things*" (πάντα ἐγκρατεύεται), encompassing diet, physical regimen, and mental discipline, all geared towards winning a prize. This expands the meaning of ἐγκρατεύομαι beyond just diet and chastity to a comprehensive, all-encompassing discipline. For the Christian, this self-control is not for a perishable reward but for an imperishable one, signifying eternal life and spiritual victory. The context underscores the active, demanding, and purposeful nature of Christian self-mastery.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) `{{G1466}}`:** This is the direct noun form of the verb, meaning "self-control, temperance, mastery." It is famously listed as one of the "fruit of the Spirit" in [[Galatians 5:23]], indicating that true Christian self-control is not merely human willpower but a divine enablement. It is also a virtue that believers are exhorted to diligently pursue in their spiritual growth ([[2 Peter 1:6]]).
* **κράτος (kratos) `{{G2904}}`:** The root noun meaning "strength, power, dominion." This emphasizes that self-control is not a sign of weakness or repression but rather a manifestation of inner strength and spiritual power, a mastery over one's own lower nature.
* **σωφροσύνη (sōphrosynē) `{{G4997}}`:** Often translated as "soundness of mind," "prudence," or "self-control." While similar, sōphrosynē tends to emphasize discretion, sober judgment, and a well-ordered mind, whereas ἐγκρατεύομαι and ἐγκράτεια more specifically focus on the active restraint of appetites and passions.
* **Discipline and Temperance:** These English concepts closely align with ἐγκρατεύομαι, encompassing the idea of bringing the body and its desires into submission to the will, guided by God's Spirit.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐγκρατεύομαι is profound for Christian living and discipleship:
* **Spirit-Empowered Discipline:** While ἐγκρατεύομαι describes a human act of self-restraint, Christian theology understands this ability not as mere human willpower but as a work of the Holy Spirit. As a "fruit of the Spirit" (ἐγκράτεια `{{G1466}}`), it signifies that believers are divinely enabled to live disciplined lives, overcoming the impulses of the flesh (cf. [[Galatians 5:16-17]]).
* **Holiness and Purity:** In its application to chastity ([[1 Corinthians 7:9]]), ἐγκρατεύομαι is foundational for personal holiness and sexual purity. It calls believers to honor their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit ([[1 Corinthians 6:19-20]]) and to live in a manner that reflects God's own purity and order.
* **Spiritual Warfare and Discipleship:** The athletic analogy in [[1 Corinthians 9:25]] highlights self-control as an indispensable element of spiritual warfare and effective discipleship. Just as an athlete disciplines their body for a prize, so the believer must discipline their whole being to run the race set before them, resisting the desires of the flesh that war against the soul ([[1 Peter 2:11]]) and striving for the imperishable crown. It signifies a life lived with intentional purpose and submission to Christ's Lordship.
* **Stewardship of the Body:** ἐγκρατεύομαι implies a responsible stewardship of the physical body and its appetites. It is not about asceticism for its own sake, but about bringing the body into submission to serve God's purposes, rather than being enslaved by its desires.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐγκρατεύομαι (enkrateúomai) `{{G1467}}` denotes the active exercise of self-restraint and discipline, particularly over one's physical appetites and passions, including those related to diet and chastity. Derived from the concept of "having power over oneself," it signifies inner strength and mastery rather than mere suppression. Biblical occurrences in [[1 Corinthians 7:9]] and [[1 Corinthians 9:25]] illustrate its application to sexual continence and the broader rigorous discipline required of an athlete, serving as a powerful analogy for the Christian's spiritual training. Closely related to the noun ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) `{{G1466}}`, "self-control," this word highlights a vital aspect of Christian discipleship: the Spirit-empowered ability to bring one's impulses and desires into conformity with God's will. It is essential for personal holiness, effective ministry, and victory in spiritual warfare, underscoring the believer's call to be temperate and disciplined in all aspects of life, reflecting a life lived under the dominion of Christ for an imperishable reward.
TRV