Understanding αὐτάρκης (autarkēs) Strong’s G842: The Divine Secret of Christian Contentment in Every Circumstance

Pronunciation Guide: ow-TAR-kace

Basic Definition

Strong’s G842: αὐτάρκης (autarkēs) describes a state of being content and satisfied with what one has, regardless of external circumstances. It conveys the idea of self-sufficiency, not in the sense of independence from God, but rather having inner resources through Him that enable one to be satisfied in any situation. This contentment springs from recognizing God’s provision is always sufficient for our needs, allowing believers to maintain stability amid life’s changing circumstances.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adjective
• Root words: αὐτός (autos, “self”) + ἀρκέω (arkeō, “to be sufficient”)
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Found in Pauline epistles, particularly in didactic (teaching) passages
• Cognate with the noun αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia, “contentment, sufficiency”)

αὐτάρκης Morphology:

• αὐτάρκης (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – content, self-sufficient
• αὐτάρκες (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – content, self-sufficient
• αὐτάρκους (genitive singular) – of contentment, of self-sufficiency
• αὐτάρκει (dative singular) – in/with contentment, in/with self-sufficiency
• αὐτάρκεις (nominative/accusative plural masculine/feminine) – content ones, self-sufficient ones

Origin & History

The term αὐτάρκης originated in classical Greek philosophical thought, particularly among Stoic and Cynic philosophers who elevated self-sufficiency as a cardinal virtue. Aristotle in his “Nicomachean Ethics” described αὐτάρκεια as a characteristic of the good life, suggesting that true happiness comes from being independent of external goods. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus frequently used the term to describe the wise person who finds contentment within themselves rather than in external circumstances.

In the Septuagint (LXX), while the exact adjective αὐτάρκης is not prominent, the related concept appears in passages like Proverbs 30:8-9, where Agur prays for neither poverty nor riches but “food sufficient for my needs.” The early Church Fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” reinterpreted this philosophical concept through a Christian lens, suggesting that true αὐτάρκεια comes not from self-reliance but from reliance on God’s provision and grace.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Inner contentment regardless of external circumstances
• Sufficiency through divine provision rather than human resources
• Stability of spirit amid changing conditions
• Freedom from anxiety about material needs
• Satisfaction with God’s provision

αὐτάρκης Translation Options:

• Content – Emphasizes the settled state of mind and heart, regardless of external factors (most common NT translation)
• Self-sufficient – Highlights the source of sufficiency coming from within (through God’s indwelling), rather than dependent on external circumstances
• Satisfied – Focuses on the fulfillment aspect, suggesting needs have been adequately met
• Independent – Stresses freedom from being controlled by circumstances (though must be careful not to imply independence from God)
• Resourceful – Indicates having internal resources to meet various situations, aligned with the morphological emphasis on self (αὐτός) + sufficiency (ἀρκέω)

Biblical Usage

The term αὐτάρκης appears explicitly only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 4:11, where Paul declares, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content [αὐτάρκης] in whatever circumstances I am.” This profound statement comes in the context of Paul’s imprisonment, demonstrating that his contentment was not based on favorable circumstances but on his relationship with the Messiah. The related noun form αὐτάρκεια appears in 1 Timothy 6:6 and 2 Corinthians 9:8, further illuminating the concept.

Though αὐτάρκης itself appears only once, the concept permeates Paul’s writings. In Philippians 4:13, Paul reveals the source of this contentment: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” This reveals that biblical αὐτάρκης is not self-sufficiency in isolation from God, but rather God-sufficiency—drawing strength and satisfaction from the indwelling Messiah.

• “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content [αὐτάρκης] in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11
• “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment [αὐτάρκεια].” 1 Timothy 6:6
• “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency [αὐτάρκεια] in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, αὐτάρκης was highly valued, particularly among philosophers. The Stoics and Cynics promoted self-sufficiency as freedom from dependence on external goods and circumstances. This philosophical ideal was widely known and respected in the cosmopolitan cities where Paul ministered. However, Paul radically reinterpreted this concept through a Messianic lens. While the pagan philosophers sought αὐτάρκης through personal discipline and detachment, Paul found it through surrender and attachment to the Messiah.

The Jewish concept most closely related to αὐτάρκης is found in the Hebrew word סָפֵק (saphek), which appears in expressions of having “sufficient” provision. In rabbinic Judaism, there was a strong emphasis on being satisfied with one’s lot in life (sameiach b’chelko), exemplified in Pirkei Avot 4:1: “Who is rich? One who is happy with his portion.” This cultural background helps explain why Paul, trained as a Pharisee, could integrate Greek philosophical terminology with Jewish concepts of contentment and divine provision to create a distinctly Messianic understanding of αὐτάρκης.

Theological Significance

The concept of αὐτάρκης reveals a profound theological truth about God’s character and provision. Unlike the pagan concept of self-sufficiency, biblical contentment acknowledges that true sufficiency comes from God alone. This reflects God’s character as El Shaddai (God Almighty), the all-sufficient One who meets all our needs. When Paul declares he has “learned to be content,” he testifies to the transformative power of God’s grace that can sustain believers through any circumstance.

The Messiah Himself exemplified perfect αὐτάρκης during His earthly ministry. Though He “had nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20), He maintained perfect contentment through His unbroken communion with the Father. This reveals that αὐτάρκης is not about abundance of possessions but about the sufficiency of relationship with God. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit becomes the believer’s source of contentment, enabling them to echo Paul’s declaration that “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Personal Application

Cultivating αὐτάρκης in our lives requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Rather than basing our contentment on changing circumstances, we must anchor it in our unchanging God. This means practicing gratitude for what we have rather than focusing on what we lack. It means recognizing that in the Messiah, we possess the ultimate treasure that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.

In practical terms, developing αὐτάρκης involves regular meditation on God’s faithfulness, surrendering our anxieties about the future, and choosing to trust in His provision. When we face seasons of lack or abundance, we can follow Paul’s example of finding strength not in our own resources but in the Messiah who dwells within us. This contentment becomes a powerful testimony to a world driven by insatiable desires and constant dissatisfaction.

Related Words

• αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia, “contentment, self-sufficiency”) – The noun form of αὐτάρκης, referring to the state of having enough for one’s needs. While αὐτάρκης describes the person who is content, αὐτάρκεια describes the quality of contentment itself. See G841
• ἀρκέω (arkeō, “to be sufficient, to be enough”) – The root verb from which αὐτάρκης is partially derived. It conveys the idea of being satisfied with what one has, suggesting that what is present is enough. See G714
• ἱκανός (hikanos, “sufficient, adequate, competent”) – Describes something that reaches a certain standard or measure of sufficiency. While αὐτάρκης focuses on internal contentment, ἱκανός often refers to external adequacy. See G2425
• πλήρης (plērēs, “full, complete, filled”) – Indicates fullness or completeness, suggesting no lack. While αὐτάρκης emphasizes contentment regardless of amount, πλήρης focuses on abundance. See G4134
• χορτάζω (chortazō, “to feed, to fill, to satisfy”) – Particularly used of satisfying hunger or physical needs. While αὐτάρκης is a state of mind, χορτάζω often refers to the actual meeting of physical needs. See G5526

Did You Know?

• Did you know that the modern economic term “autarky” derives from αὐτάρκης? In economics, autarky refers to a nation that is self-sufficient and does not depend on international trade. Just as Paul found contentment by relying on God’s provision rather than external circumstances, nations practicing autarky seek independence from outside resources. However, while economic autarky often leads to isolation and scarcity, spiritual αὐτάρκης leads to abundance and community.
• Did you know that the Essene community at Qumran, contemporaries of Yeshua (Jesus), practiced a form of communal αὐτάρκης? Archaeological evidence suggests they maintained simple, self-sufficient communities with minimal possessions. Their practice of sharing resources mirrored the early Messianic community described in Acts 4:32-35, where believers had “everything in common” and “there was not a needy person among them.” This communal approach to sufficiency offers an interesting parallel to Paul’s personal αὐτάρκης.
• Did you know that the concept of αὐτάρκης appears in the writings of the Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria? A contemporary of Paul, Philo blended Jewish theology with Greek philosophy and wrote extensively about self-sufficiency. However, unlike Paul, Philo emphasized intellectual self-sufficiency through philosophical contemplation rather than spiritual contentment through reliance on God. This contrast highlights how Paul’s understanding of αὐτάρκης represented a radical reinterpretation of both Jewish and Greek concepts.

Remember This

αὐτάρκης is not self-sufficiency that excludes God, but God-sufficiency that excludes anxiety—the sacred secret of being content in any circumstance because our satisfaction comes not from what we have, but from Who has us.