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.
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.
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.
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.
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