Understanding ἀρκετός (arketos) Strong’s G713: Discovering Divine Sufficiency and Freedom from Tomorrow’s Anxieties

Pronunciation Guide: ar-ket-OS’

Basic Definition

Strong’s G713: ἀρκετός describes that which is sufficient, adequate, or enough. It carries the nuanced meaning of being satisfied with what is available or present, implying contentment rather than mere adequacy. This word conveys the idea that something has met a standard or requirement completely, leaving no need for more.

Etymology and Morphology

• Adjective derived from ἀρκέω (arkeō, “to be sufficient”)
• Primary usage in teaching passages and practical instructions
• Appears in both classical and Koine Greek
• Common in wisdom literature and pastoral contexts

ἀρκετός Morphology:

• ἀρκετός (nominative singular masculine) – sufficient
• ἀρκετή (nominative singular feminine) – sufficient
• ἀρκετόν (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – sufficient
• ἀρκετοί (nominative plural masculine) – sufficient ones

Origin & History

The word ἀρκετός emerges from the classical Greek tradition where it was used to describe satisfaction with one’s portion or circumstances. In the works of Xenophon’s “Memorabilia,” the concept appears in discussions about contentment and moderation in life’s pursuits. The Septuagint translators employed related forms to convey the Hebrew concept of “dai” (enough, sufficient) in Proverbs and wisdom literature.

The early church fathers, particularly John Chrysostom in his homilies, expanded on this concept when discussing Matthew 6:34, emphasizing how divine provision is always sufficient for those who trust in God’s care.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which meets a need or requirement completely
• A state of adequacy that precludes want or lack
• The quality of being enough without excess

ἀρκετός Translation Options:

• “Sufficient” – Emphasizes the completeness of provision
• “Enough” – Captures the sense of adequacy without excess
• “Satisfactory” – Highlights the meeting of a standard
• “Adequate” – Stresses the fulfillment of what is needed

Biblical Usage

ἀρκετός appears most prominently in the teachings of Jesus and apostolic writings where it often connects to themes of divine provision and contentment. Its first appearance in Matthew 6:34 sets the tone for its theological significance in the New Testament, teaching believers about trusting God’s daily provision.

The word carries particular weight in contexts addressing anxiety about material needs and spiritual satisfaction. It appears in passages that challenge believers to find contentment in God’s provision rather than worldly abundance.

• “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient [ἀρκετός] for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
• “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough [ἀρκετός] for the disciple to be like his teacher.” Matthew 10:25
• “For the time that is past suffices [ἀρκετός] for doing what the Gentiles want to do.” 1 Peter 4:3

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of “enough” was deeply connected to the daily provision of manna in the wilderness. The Israelites were taught to gather only what was sufficient for each day, a practice that Jesus directly references when teaching about anxiety and provision in the Sermon on the Mount. This cultural memory would have resonated powerfully with Jewish audiences hearing ἀρκετός in Jesus’s teachings.

The Greek philosophical schools, particularly the Stoics, emphasized the virtue of being content with what is sufficient, but their teaching was based on self-discipline. In contrast, the biblical usage of ἀρκετός points to God’s faithful provision as the source of true sufficiency.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀρκετός in Scripture reveals a profound truth about God’s character – He is El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One. When Jesus teaches that each day’s trouble is ἀρκετός, He’s not merely offering practical wisdom about worry; He’s revealing the Father’s heart to provide exactly what His children need, when they need it.

This word carries special significance in understanding God’s grace, as it teaches us that divine provision is never inadequate nor wasteful – it is precisely what we need. The concept challenges both poverty thinking (God won’t provide enough) and prosperity excess (God will provide everything we want).

Personal Application

Understanding ἀρκετός invites us to practice daily trust in God’s provision. When we grasp that today’s grace is sufficient for today’s challenges, we’re freed from the burden of tomorrow’s anxieties. This truth calls us to a lifestyle of present-moment faithfulness and contentment.

Consider keeping a daily gratitude journal, noting specific instances of God’s sufficient provision. This practice helps develop eyes to see His faithfulness in both abundance and scarcity.

Related Words

• αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia) – contentment, self-sufficiency (in Christ) – See G841
• ἀρκέω (arkeō) – to be sufficient, to be satisfied – See G714
• ἱκανός (hikanos) – sufficient, worthy, adequate – See G2425
• πλήρης (plērēs) – full, complete, sufficient – See G4134

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀρκετός played a crucial role in early Christian monasticism, where monks were taught to be content with minimal possessions, focusing on spiritual abundance rather than material wealth.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀρκετός in everyday conversation to mean “enough” or “quite a lot,” preserving its ancient meaning of sufficiency.
• The word’s connection to daily provision mirrors the ancient Jewish practice of collecting manna, where gathering more than what was sufficient for the day would result in waste – a powerful lesson in trusting God’s daily provision.

Remember This

ἀρκετός reminds us that in God’s economy, enough is not just enough – it is perfectly sufficient for His purposes in our lives.