### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀκρασία (akrasía, `{{G192}}`) is derived from the adjective ἀκρατής (akratēs), which signifies "without strength" or "powerless." This etymology reveals the core meaning of ἀκρασία as a "want of self-restraint" or a "lack of self-control." The prefix ἀ- (a-privative) negates the root κράτος (kratos), meaning "strength" or "power." Thus, ἀκρασία literally denotes an absence of power over oneself, particularly regarding one's appetites, passions, or impulses. Its semantic range encompasses incontinency, intemperance, indulgence, and excess, pointing to a failure of the will to govern desires and actions in accordance with reason or moral principle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀκρασία appears twice in the New Testament, each instance shedding light on its specific manifestation:
1. **[[1 Corinthians 7:5]]**: "Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control (ἀκρασία)."
In this passage, Paul addresses marital relations, advising spouses not to withhold physical intimacy from each other for prolonged periods. The "lack of self-control" (ἀκρασία) here specifically refers to sexual incontinence, which, if unaddressed within the marital bond, could lead to temptation and sin. It highlights a practical vulnerability to Satan's schemes when legitimate desires are not met or properly managed.
2. **[[Matthew 23:25]]**: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence (ἀκρασίας)."
Here, Jesus uses ἀκρασία in a scathing indictment of the Pharisees' hypocrisy. Unlike the specific sexual context in 1 Corinthians, this usage of ἀκρασία points to a broader moral and spiritual corruption. It signifies an inner state of unchecked desires, particularly "greed" (ἁρπαγῆς, harpagēs – extortion, plunder) and "self-indulgence" or "excess." The Pharisees meticulously observed external rituals while their inner lives were characterized by a lack of restraint regarding covetousness and worldly appetites. This illustrates that ἀκρασία is not limited to physical desires but can encompass any form of unchecked inner longing that leads to moral impurity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ἀκρασία is best understood in contrast to and in relation with other key biblical terms:
* **`{{G1466}}` ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia)**: This is the direct antonym, meaning "self-control," "temperance," or "mastery over oneself." It is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in [[Galatians 5:23]], underscoring its divine origin and importance for Christian living. Where ἀκρασία signifies a lack of power over oneself, ἐγκράτεια signifies strength and mastery.
* **`{{G1939}}` ἐπιθυμία (epithymia)**: "Desire" or "lust." While not inherently negative, ἐπιθυμία often refers to strong, often illicit, desires that, when not controlled, lead to ἀκρασία.
* **`{{G4559}}` σαρκικός (sarkikos)**: "Fleshly" or "carnal." This adjective describes the human nature prone to sin and uncontrolled desires, from which ἀκρασία springs. The "works of the flesh" in [[Galatians 5:19-21]] are often manifestations of ἀκρασία.
* **`{{G3806}}` πάθη (pathē)**: "Passions" or "affections." These are the strong emotions and desires that, when left unchecked, can lead to a state of ἀκρασία.
* **`{{G810}}` ἀσωτία (asōtia)**: "Dissipation," "prodigality," or "reckless living." This term describes a lifestyle characterized by a lack of self-control, particularly in spending and indulgence, often leading to ruin.
Philosophically, ἀκρασία aligns with the ancient Greek concept of "weakness of will," where one knows what is right but fails to do it due to the overwhelming power of desire.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀκρασία is profound, touching upon human nature, spiritual warfare, and the call to sanctification:
1. **Human Fallenness and the "Flesh"**: ἀκρασία highlights the inherent weakness and fallenness of human nature, often referred to as the "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx). It is a manifestation of the sinful inclination that struggles against the Spirit's leading ([[Galatians 5:17]]). Without divine intervention and empowerment, humanity is prone to being overcome by its own desires.
2. **Vulnerability to Temptation**: As seen in [[1 Corinthians 7:5]], ἀκρασία creates an opening for Satan to tempt believers. Uncontrolled desires, even legitimate ones, can become avenues for spiritual attack if not managed within God's ordained boundaries. This underscores the importance of self-discipline and reliance on God's grace in spiritual warfare.
3. **Hypocrisy and Inner Corruption**: Jesus' use of ἀκρασία in [[Matthew 23:25]] reveals that a lack of self-control is not merely about physical appetites but can signify deep moral and spiritual corruption. It exposes the danger of outward piety devoid of inner transformation, where unbridled greed and indulgence fester beneath a veneer of religiosity. This serves as a stark warning against hypocrisy and emphasizes the need for a purified heart.
4. **The Necessity of the Holy Spirit and Discipline**: Since ἀκρασία is the antithesis of the Spirit's fruit of self-control (ἐγκράτεια), it underscores the believer's absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit for transformation. Overcoming ἀκρασία requires not only personal discipline and vigilance but, more importantly, the empowering work of the Spirit to cultivate inner mastery and conformity to Christ. It calls believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:16]]).
### Summary
ἀκρασία (akrasía, `{{G192}}`) denotes a fundamental "lack of self-control" or "want of self-restraint," stemming from an inability of the will to govern one's desires and impulses. Biblically, it is found in two significant contexts: first, in marital relations, where a lack of sexual self-control can open the door to satanic temptation ([[1 Corinthians 7:5]]); and second, as a broader moral corruption, particularly linked to greed and self-indulgence, characteristic of the Pharisees' hypocrisy ([[Matthew 23:25]]). Theologically, ἀκρασία reveals humanity's fallen nature and vulnerability to sin, highlighting the constant struggle between the "flesh" and the Spirit. It stands in stark contrast to ἐγκράτεια (self-control), a virtue empowered by the Holy Spirit. Overcoming ἀκρασία necessitates spiritual discipline, vigilance against temptation, and a profound reliance on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, leading to inner purity and genuine godliness.
TRV