### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **autárkeia**, represented by `{{G841}}`, refers to a state of **contentment** or **sufficiency**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term defines a sense of self-satisfaction and having a competence in one's circumstances, whether abstractly as contentedness or concretely as having enough.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G841}}` is presented in two distinct but related contexts. In 2 Corinthians, it is translated as **sufficiency**, describing a state where God's grace abounds so that believers have "all **sufficiency** in all things" to perform good works [[2 Corinthians 9:8]]. In contrast, it is translated as **contentment** when paired with godliness, where the combination is described as "great gain" [[1 Timothy 6:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the meaning of **autárkeia**:
* `{{G2150}}` **eusébeia** (piety; specially, the gospel scheme:--godliness, holiness.): This term is directly paired with `{{G841}}` in the assertion that "godliness with contentment is great gain" [[1 Timothy 6:6]]. Godliness itself is described as being "profitable unto all things" [[1 Timothy 4:8]].
* `{{G4200}}` **porismós** (furnishing (procuring), i.e. (by implication) money-getting (acquisition):--gain.): This is the outcome of combining godliness and contentment [[1 Timothy 6:6]]. Scripture warns against a corrupted view where people suppose that "gain is godliness" [[1 Timothy 6:5]], highlighting the importance of true contentment.
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (graciousness... especially the divine influence upon the heart...): This is presented as the source of sufficiency. It is God's **grace** that abounds toward the believer, resulting in "all sufficiency" [[2 Corinthians 9:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G841}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of the Christian life.
* **Divine Source of Sufficiency:** True sufficiency is not self-generated but is a direct result of God's provision. It is God who "is able to make all grace abound," which in turn provides believers with "all sufficiency in all things" [[2 Corinthians 9:8]].
* **Contentment as a Spiritual Virtue:** Contentment is not merely a psychological state but is inextricably linked with **godliness** [[1 Timothy 6:6]]. It is presented as a virtue to be pursued alongside righteousness, faith, and love [[1 Timothy 6:11]].
* **True Gain:** The pairing of **godliness** `{{G2150}}` with **contentment** `{{G841}}` is what constitutes "great gain" `{{G4200}}`, standing in stark contrast to the pursuit of material acquisition [[1 Timothy 6:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G841}}` conveys more than simple self-satisfaction. As **sufficiency**, it is a gift that flows from God's abounding grace, enabling believers for every good work. As **contentment**, it is an essential component of godliness that produces true spiritual gain. The term provides a vital theological framework for understanding that true competence and contentedness are found not in oneself, but in the provision and character of God.
TRV