### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term αὐτάρκεια (autárkeia, `{{G841}}`) is derived from the adjective αὐτάρκης (autárkes, `{{G842}}`), which combines the root αὐτός (autos, "self") with ἀρκέω (arkeō, "to be sufficient" or "to suffice," `{{G714}}`). In classical Greek thought, particularly among the Stoics, *autárkeia* signified self-sufficiency, a state of independence from external circumstances for one's well-being or happiness. It implied a complete mastery over one's desires and needs, rendering one impervious to the vicissitudes of fortune.
In the New Testament, however, the semantic range of *autárkeia* undergoes a significant transformation. While retaining the core idea of "sufficiency" or "contentment," its source shifts definitively from an inherent human capacity to a divine provision. It moves from a philosophical ideal of self-reliance to a theological reality of God-reliance. Thus, its biblical meaning encompasses "contentment" (a state of mind independent of external circumstances) and "sufficiency" (an adequacy provided by God). It is not a sufficiency *in oneself* but a sufficiency *from God*.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun αὐτάρκεια (autárkeia, `{{G841}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Pauline epistles, revealing distinct yet related facets of its meaning:
1. **[[2 Corinthians 9:8]]**: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all *autárkeia*, you may abound in every good work."
Here, *autárkeia* is presented as a direct result of God's abounding grace. It denotes a divine provision that grants believers "all sufficiency" not for personal hoarding or luxurious living, but for the express purpose of "abound[ing] in every good work." This context is within Paul's discussion of generous giving, emphasizing that God provides abundantly so that believers can be generous givers, thus linking sufficiency to service and philanthropy. The sufficiency granted by God empowers believers for acts of righteousness and charity.
2. **[[1 Timothy 6:6]]**: "But godliness with *autárkeia* is great gain."
In this passage, *autárkeia* is juxtaposed with the pursuit of material wealth and the love of money, which Paul warns against as a root of all kinds of evil. Here, *autárkeia* signifies contentment, a profound satisfaction with what one has, coupled with godliness. It is presented as the true "great gain," contrasting sharply with the false gain sought through worldly riches. This contentment is not born of apathy or resignation, but from a deep trust in God's provision and a spiritual focus that transcends material desires. It implies a freedom from covetousness and anxiety, rooted in a life devoted to God.
While the noun *autárkeia* appears only twice, its conceptual twin, the adjective *autárkes* (`{{G842}}`), is found in [[Philippians 4:11]], where Paul famously states, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be *autárkes* [content]." This verse beautifully illustrates the practical outworking of *autárkeia* as a learned disposition of contentment, independent of external circumstances, underscoring the spiritual discipline involved in embracing this sufficiency.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of αὐτάρκεια (autárkeia, `{{G841}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **ἀρκέω (arkeō, `{{G714}}`)**: The verbal root of *autárkeia*, meaning "to be sufficient" or "to suffice." This verb often describes God's provision or the adequacy of something for a purpose (e.g., [[Matthew 25:9]], [[John 6:7]], [[2 Corinthians 12:9]]).
* **αὐτάρκης (autárkes, `{{G842}}`)**: The adjective form, meaning "self-sufficient" or "content," as seen in [[Philippians 4:11]]. This directly informs the meaning of the noun.
* **ἱκανότης (hikanotēs, `{{G2425}}`)**: Meaning "sufficiency" or "competence." While similar in meaning, *hikanotēs* often emphasizes the *ability* or *qualification* for a task, whereas *autárkeia* focuses more on the *state* of being content or having enough.
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2106}}`)**: "Godliness" or "piety." As seen in [[1 Timothy 6:6]], *autárkeia* is intrinsically linked with godliness, suggesting that true contentment flows from a devout relationship with God.
* **Concepts of Contentment and Trust**: *Autárkeia* is deeply intertwined with the broader biblical themes of contentment (e.g., [[Hebrews 13:5]]), trust in God's provision (e.g., [[Matthew 6:25-34]]), and freedom from anxiety and covetousness. It stands in direct opposition to materialism and the insatiable desire for more.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of αὐτάρκεια (autárkeia, `{{G841}}`) in the New Testament is profound, marking a distinct departure from its classical philosophical roots and establishing it as a core Christian virtue:
1. **God as the Source of All Sufficiency**: Unlike the Stoic ideal of human-generated self-sufficiency, biblical *autárkeia* unequivocally points to God as the ultimate source of all adequacy and provision. [[2 Corinthians 9:8]] explicitly states that God "is able to make all grace abound to you, so that... having all *autárkeia*." This underscores a fundamental dependence on divine grace, promoting humility and worship rather than human pride. Believers are not self-sufficient but God-sufficient.
2. **Contentment as a Mark of Godliness**: In [[1 Timothy 6:6]], *autárkeia* is presented as an indispensable component of "great gain" when coupled with godliness. This teaches that true spiritual wealth is not found in material abundance but in a heart content with God's provision and devoted to Him. It is a powerful counter-cultural message against the pervasive human tendency towards greed and dissatisfaction, emphasizing that spiritual prosperity trumps worldly riches.
3. **Empowerment for Service and Generosity**: The sufficiency granted by God (2 Cor 9:8) is not for selfish accumulation but for generous distribution. *Autárkeia* enables believers to "abound in every good work," transforming divine provision into active service and beneficence towards others. This highlights the communal and missional dimension of Christian sufficiency, where God's blessings are intended to flow through believers to bless the world.
4. **Spiritual Maturity and Freedom**: The ability to be content in any circumstance, as exemplified by Paul (Phil 4:11, using the adjective), demonstrates a profound spiritual maturity. This *autárkeia* frees believers from the anxieties and enslavements of material possessions, external circumstances, and human approval. It fosters a deep-seated peace and stability rooted in Christ, regardless of life's fluctuations.
### Summary
The Greek term αὐτάρκεια (autárkeia, `{{G841}}`) in the New Testament signifies a state of divinely sourced sufficiency and contentment. Far from the classical notion of human self-reliance, biblical *autárkeia* emphasizes that God is the ultimate provider of all adequacy, enabling believers to live a life of contentment and generosity. As seen in [[2 Corinthians 9:8]], God grants "all sufficiency" so that His people may abound in good works. Furthermore, [[1 Timothy 6:6]] reveals that "godliness with *autárkeia*" (contentment) constitutes true and lasting "great gain," contrasting sharply with the fleeting pursuits of worldly wealth. This profound concept underpins the Christian virtue of contentment, fostering a deep trust in God's provision and liberating believers to serve Him and others without being enslaved by external circumstances or material desires.
TRV