Understanding αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia) Strong’s G841: The Divine Gift of Contentment and Self-Sufficiency in Christ

Pronunciation Guide: ow-TAR-kay-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G841: Αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia) refers to a state of contentment and self-sufficiency that comes from within rather than from external circumstances. In biblical usage, it describes the spiritual condition of being satisfied and content with what God has provided, not requiring anything beyond His provision. This contentment is not mere passive acceptance but an active virtue rooted in trust in God’s providence and goodness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root Words: Combines αὐτός (autos, “self”) and ἀρκέω (arkeō, “to be sufficient, to be enough”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in epistolary (letter) contexts, particularly in Pauline literature
• Semantic Domain: Attitudes and emotions, specifically contentment and satisfaction

Αὐτάρκεια Morphology:

• αὐτάρκεια (nominative singular) – contentment, self-sufficiency
• αὐταρκείας (genitive singular) – of contentment, of self-sufficiency
• αὐταρκείᾳ (dative singular) – in/with contentment, in/with self-sufficiency

Origin & History

The concept of αὐτάρκεια has deep roots in Greek philosophical thought, particularly within Stoic and Cynic traditions. In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, αὐτάρκεια represented the ideal of self-sufficiency as a component of happiness (εὐδαιμονία), describing a state where one needs nothing beyond oneself to flourish. Epicurus similarly valued αὐτάρκεια as an essential virtue for achieving tranquility (ἀταραξία).

The term underwent a significant transformation when adopted into biblical thought. While maintaining the core meaning of sufficiency, the Apostle Paul reframed αὐτάρκεια in 2 Corinthians 9:8 and elsewhere to emphasize that true self-sufficiency is paradoxically dependent on God’s sufficiency. This marked a radical departure from the Stoic ideal of αὐτάρκεια, which emphasized independence from external circumstances through human willpower alone. In Christian usage, particularly in Patristic literature such as Clement of Alexandria’s Stromata, αὐτάρκεια came to represent the believer’s contentment that flows from dependence on God rather than self-reliance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Divine Contentment – A state of satisfaction and peace derived from recognizing God’s provision as sufficient for all needs
• God-dependent Sufficiency – The paradoxical condition of being self-sufficient because of one’s complete dependence on God
• Spiritual Satisfaction – Inner fullness that remains stable regardless of external circumstances
• Resource-independence – Freedom from anxiety about material needs due to confidence in God’s provision

Αὐτάρκεια Translation Options:

• Contentment – Emphasizes the emotional and spiritual satisfaction aspect of αὐτάρκεια, though it may miss the sense of sufficiency
• Self-sufficiency – Captures the aspect of having enough resources within oneself, though in biblical context this sufficiency comes from God
• Competence – Highlights the ability to meet challenges with what one has, particularly relevant in passages about ministry capacity
• Adequacy – Conveys the sense of having just what is needed, neither deficient nor excessive
• Resource-fullness – A compound term that captures both the idea of having resources and being filled with what is needed

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αὐτάρκεια appears only twice, yet its theological significance far outweighs its limited occurrences. The concept first emerges in 2 Corinthians 9:8, where Paul assures believers that God provides sufficiency in all things, enabling believers to abound in every good work. This divine provision creates a chain reaction of generosity: God’s sufficiency enables human contentment, which in turn enables generous giving to others.

The second occurrence in 1 Timothy 6:6 pairs αὐτάρκεια with godliness (εὐσέβεια), declaring this combination to be “great gain.” In this context, Paul contrasts true spiritual wealth (contentment in God) with materialistic pursuits that lead to spiritual ruin. The verbal form αὐτάρκης appears in Philippians 4:11, where Paul testifies that he has learned to be content in any circumstance—a practical demonstration of αὐτάρκεια as a spiritual discipline rather than merely a philosophical ideal.

• “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all αὐτάρκεια [sufficiency] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
• “But godliness with αὐτάρκεια [contentment] is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
• “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be αὐτάρκης [content].” Philippians 4:11

Cultural Insights

The concept of αὐτάρκεια played a central role in ancient Greek philosophical ethics, particularly among the Stoics. While the Epicureans sought contentment through moderate pleasure and the Cynics through extreme asceticism, the Stoics advocated for αὐτάρκεια as a middle path—being satisfied with what one has while remaining detached from both pleasure and pain. The philosopher Seneca (contemporary with Paul) wrote extensively on this concept, arguing that true wealth comes not from possessing much but from needing little.

This cultural backdrop makes Paul’s reframing of αὐτάρκεια all the more revolutionary. Instead of presenting self-sufficiency as an achievement of human discipline, Paul presents it as a gift from God. This theological innovation would have resonated with his Hellenistic audience while simultaneously challenging their foundational assumptions about the source of contentment. For Jewish readers, this concept would have echoed the wisdom tradition represented in Proverbs 30:8-9, where Agur prays for neither poverty nor riches but just enough (סָפַק, safaq—a Hebrew concept similar to αὐτάρκεια).

Theological Significance

The theological richness of αὐτάρκεια emerges most clearly when we recognize it as part of God’s character that He shares with believers. God Himself is the ultimate αὐτάρκης—completely self-sufficient and lacking nothing. As the Creator of all things, Yahweh depends on nothing outside Himself for existence or fulfillment. This divine attribute gets reflected in human experience when believers receive, by grace, a participation in God’s own contentment.

This theological understanding transforms αὐτάρκεια from a mere coping mechanism into a profound spiritual reality. When Paul declares that he has “learned to be content” (Philippians 4:11), he’s not merely describing psychological adjustment but testifying to a supernatural work of grace. The Messiah’s sufficiency becomes our sufficiency; His contentment becomes our contentment. This divine gift stands in stark contrast to worldly systems that create perpetual discontentment to drive consumption and acquisition.

Furthermore, αὐτάρκεια reflects the theological truth that God’s provision is always perfectly calibrated to our needs. Just as the manna in the wilderness was sufficient for each day—neither too much nor too little—God’s grace provides exactly what is required for us to flourish and serve Him effectively. This precision reveals both God’s wisdom in knowing our true needs and His love in meeting them abundantly.

Personal Application

Cultivating αὐτάρκεια in our lives begins with recognizing the difference between needs and wants. In a culture that constantly blurs this distinction, believers are called to practice discernment about what constitutes true necessity. This doesn’t mean embracing austerity for its own sake, but rather developing the spiritual maturity to find satisfaction in God’s provision rather than endless acquisition. Ask yourself: “What would it take for me to truly say ‘I have enough’?”

The practice of gratitude serves as a powerful catalyst for developing αὐτάρκεια. By regularly acknowledging and giving thanks for God’s provision, we train our hearts to recognize His sufficiency. This thanksgiving isn’t limited to abundance but extends to recognizing God’s wisdom in limitation. Like Paul, we can learn to be content in having little or much, recognizing that in either circumstance, we have Christ—and He is enough. This contentment becomes not just a personal blessing but a powerful witness in a world characterized by insatiable desire and perpetual dissatisfaction.

Related Words

• αὐτάρκης (autarkēs) – “content, self-sufficient” – The adjectival form from which αὐτάρκεια derives, emphasizing the quality of being satisfied with what one has. While αὐτάρκεια is the state or condition, αὐτάρκης describes someone exhibiting this quality. See G842
• ἀρκετός (arketos) – “sufficient, enough” – Derived from the same root ἀρκέω (arkeō), this term focuses more specifically on having enough quantity of something, as in “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). While αὐτάρκεια describes an inner state, ἀρκετός usually describes external adequacy. See G713
• ἱκανότης (hikanotēs) – “sufficiency, adequacy, competence” – Refers specifically to having adequate ability or capacity to accomplish a task, as in Paul’s statement that his sufficiency comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5). While αὐτάρκεια focuses on contentment, ἱκανότης emphasizes capability. See G2426
• πλησμονή (plēsmonē) – “satisfaction, fullness” – Describes the state of being filled or satisfied, particularly in physical needs, though it can be used metaphorically. Unlike αὐτάρκεια, which can exist regardless of abundance or lack, πλησμονή implies actual fulfillment of desires. See G4140
• χορτάζω (chortazō) – “to fill, satisfy, fatten” – A verb describing the action of being filled or satisfied, particularly with food. While αὐτάρκεια is primarily about internal contentment regardless of circumstances, χορτάζω typically refers to having abundant provision that satisfies desire. See G5526

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient city-states, αὐτάρκεια was not just a personal virtue but a political ideal? Cities strove to be αὐτάρκεις (self-sufficient) by producing everything their citizens needed without dependence on trade with other cities. This economic independence was seen as essential for true political freedom. The Apostle Paul brilliantly reframes this concept from civic self-reliance to dependence on God’s provision, suggesting that true freedom comes not from independence but from right dependence on our Creator.
• Did you know that during the period when Paul was writing his epistles, philosophical schools would set up stands in the agora (marketplace) to promote their path to happiness and fulfillment? Stoic teachers frequently promoted αὐτάρκεια as a key to freedom from emotional disturbance, arguing that by limiting desires to match one’s circumstances, one could achieve unshakable tranquility. Paul’s teaching on contentment would have been recognized by his audience as engaging directly with these prominent philosophical discussions of his day.
• Did you know that modern psychological research has confirmed what Paul taught about αὐτάρκεια centuries ago? Studies consistently show that beyond a basic threshold, increased wealth and possessions correlate very little with increased happiness or life satisfaction. Contemporary positive psychology has identified gratitude practices and the cultivation of “enough-ness” (essentially αὐτάρκεια) as among the most reliable pathways to psychological well-being, affirming the timeless wisdom of Paul’s teachings on contentment.

Remember This

Αὐτάρκεια represents the profound spiritual paradox at the heart of the gospel: true self-sufficiency comes only through complete dependence on God, whose grace transforms our insatiable wants into the satisfying recognition that in Him, we have everything we need.