Lexical Summary akrasia: Lack of self-control, incontinence Original Word: ἀκρασία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to lack of self-control, self-indulgenceFrom akrates; want of self-restraint -- excess, incontinency. see GREEK akrates HELPS Word-studies 192 akrasía (from 1 /A "not" and 2904 /krátos, "prevail") – properly, without prevailing (taking dominion), i.e. the inability to maintain control; (figuratively) without self-control and hence mastered by personal appetites (urges). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom akratés Definition want of power NASB Translation lack of self-control (1), self-indulgence (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 192: ἀκρασίαἀκρασία, (ας, ἡ (ἀκρατής), want of self-control, incontinence, intemperance: Matthew 23:25 (Griesbach ἀδικία); 1 Corinthians 7:5. Cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 524f. ((Aristotle on.)) Topical Lexicon ConceptStrong’s Greek 192 speaks of the failure to restrain one’s appetites in thought, word, or deed. It stands opposite to the Spirit-given virtue of self-control and therefore exposes a heart vulnerable to temptation and hypocrisy. Occurrences in Scripture Matthew 23:25 unveils religious leaders whose polished exterior masks “greed and self-indulgence”. Jesus condemns the internal disorder that overflows in outward piety yet inward excess. 1 Corinthians 7:5 addresses married believers. A couple may agree to a brief season of abstention for prayer, “so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control”. Here the term pinpoints physical desire untethered by spiritual vigilance, underscoring marital unity as God’s safeguard. Theological Significance 1. Human inability apart from grace. The term assumes that fallen humanity, left to itself, cannot consistently master bodily and mental impulses (Romans 7:18-19). Relation to the Broader Biblical Call to Self-Control • Galatians 5:23 lists self-control among the fruit of the Spirit, signaling divine provision for what the flesh lacks. Greco-Roman Background and Biblical Contrast Classical writers praised measured living, yet often defined moderation relative to civic order or personal reputation. Scripture roots self-control in covenantal love of God and neighbor, identifies its absence as spiritual bondage, and answers it not with human resolve alone but with new birth and the indwelling Spirit. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Marital counseling: 1 Corinthians 7:5 encourages mutual consideration of both physical and spiritual needs, warning that prolonged deprivation may invite temptation. Historical Interpretations • Early fathers such as Chrysostom viewed Matthew 23:25 as a warning against ostentatious almsgiving that concealed covetous motives. See Also Self-Control (Galatians 5:23); Temperance (1 Corinthians 9:25); Sobriety (1 Thessalonians 5:6); Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28); Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). Forms and Transliterations ακρασιαν ακρασίαν ἀκρασίαν ακρασιας ακρασίας ἀκρασίας akrasian akrasían akrasias akrasíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:25 N-GFSGRK: ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας NAS: of robbery and self-indulgence. KJV: extortion and excess. INT: robbery and self-indulgence 1 Corinthians 7:5 N-AFS Strong's Greek 192 |
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