Pronunciation Guide: ak-rat-ACE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G193: ἀκρατής describes someone who lacks self-control or restraint, unable to govern their desires and passions. This compound word literally means “without power” or “without strength” specifically in relation to moral restraint. It portrays someone who is ruled by their impulses rather than ruling over them.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + κράτος (power, strength, might)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in ethical discourse and character descriptions
• Literary Context: Appears in vice lists and moral teachings

ἀκρατής Morphology:

• ἀκρατής (nominative singular) – without self-control
• ἀκρατεῖς (nominative plural) – those without self-control
• ἀκρατοῦς (genitive singular) – of one without self-control

Origin & History

The term ἀκρατής has a rich history in classical Greek literature, particularly in philosophical works discussing ethics and character. Aristotle uses it extensively in his Nicomachean Ethics, where he contrasts the ἀκρατής person with the ἐγκρατής (self-controlled) individual. He describes the ἀκρατής as someone who knows what is right but lacks the moral strength to act accordingly.

In Plato’s Republic, the concept of ἀκρατής is discussed in relation to the soul’s proper ordering, where he argues that a person without self-control has their rational faculties overwhelmed by their appetites and desires. This philosophical background greatly influenced its later usage in biblical literature.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who lacks moral restraint and self-discipline
• A person governed by impulses rather than reason
• Someone powerless against their own desires
• An individual characterized by moral weakness

ἀκρατής Translation Options:

• “Without self-control” – Emphasizes the absence of moral restraint
• “Unrestrained” – Highlights the lack of boundaries
• “Intemperate” – Focuses on the inability to moderate desires
• “Powerless” – Reflects the etymology of lacking strength against impulses

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀκρατής appears in 2 Timothy 3:3 as part of Paul’s description of the terrible times in the last days. It’s significant that it appears alongside other characteristics like “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” and “having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

The word’s placement in this vice list is strategic, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in moral character that often leads to or enables other vices. This usage aligns with the Septuagint’s employment of related terms to describe moral failure and spiritual waywardness.

• “without self-control [ἀκρατεῖς]” – 2 Timothy 3:3

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, self-control was considered one of the cardinal virtues. The lack of it (ἀκρατής) was seen as particularly shameful, especially among those in leadership positions. This cultural context helps explain why Paul includes it in his list of characteristics marking the degradation of society in the last days.

The Jewish understanding of self-control was deeply rooted in the concept of being set apart for God’s purposes. The ability to control one’s desires was seen as evidence of God’s Spirit working in a person’s life, while the lack of it (ἀκρατής) represented a life ruled by the yetzer hara (evil inclination) rather than the yetzer hatov (good inclination).

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀκρατής are profound, particularly in understanding the nature of sanctification and the Holy Spirit’s work in believers’ lives. The opposite of being ἀκρατής is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:23 (ἐγκράτεια – self-control), suggesting that true self-control is a divine gift rather than merely human willpower.

This word also illuminates our understanding of the fall and redemption. The lack of self-control characterizes life without the Spirit’s influence, while growing in self-control marks the progressive work of sanctification. It reminds us that in our own strength, we are all ἀκρατής, but through the Messiah’s work and the Spirit’s presence, we can experience transformation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκρατής challenges us to examine areas where we might lack self-control in our own lives. Rather than simply trying harder to control our impulses, this word study reminds us to seek the Spirit’s empowerment and to recognize that true self-control is a fruit of walking closely with God.

The presence of this word in Paul’s description of the last days also calls us to vigilance, both personally and communally. We must guard against the cultural tide of unrestrained living while compassionately helping others find freedom through the Messiah’s transforming power.

Related Words

• ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) – self-control, mastery over desires – pronounced en-krat-EE-ah – See G1466
• ἀκρασία (akrasia) – lack of self-control, incontinence – pronounced ak-ras-EE-ah – See G192
• σώφρων (sōphrōn) – self-controlled, temperate – pronounced so-FRONE – See G4998
• νηφάλιος (nēphalios) – sober, temperate – pronounced nay-FAL-ee-os – See G3524

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀκρατής was so important in ancient Greek philosophy that entire schools of thought developed around understanding and combating it, particularly in the Stoic tradition.
• Modern psychology’s understanding of impulse control disorders bears striking similarities to the ancient Greek concept of being ἀκρατής, showing the timeless relevance of this biblical term.
• In ancient Greek athletic training, the term ἀκρατής was used to describe athletes who couldn’t maintain their training regimen, drawing a parallel between physical and moral self-control.

Remember This

ἀκρατής serves as a powerful reminder that true self-control is not merely a matter of willpower but a divine gift that comes through surrender to the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.