Self-Control
ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia)
Mastery over one's desires and impulses — inner strength to govern oneself.
Egkrateia is the Greek word for self-control, meaning inner strength, mastery over desires, and discipline. It is the final fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul, describing the ability to govern one's appetites and impulses.
"Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:23 (KJV)
Key Verses
Proverbs 25:28
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Egkrateia combines en ('in') and kratos ('power' or 'strength'), meaning 'inner power' or 'self-mastery.' In classical Greek, it described athletes who disciplined their bodies for competition. The KJV translates it as 'temperance.' It conveys the idea of having one's desires, appetites, and impulses under the governance of reason and the Spirit.
Self-Control in Proverbs
Proverbs vividly illustrates the absence of self-control: a person without it is 'like a city that is broken down, and without walls' (Proverbs 25:28) — vulnerable to every attack and invasion. The wise person guards their tongue (Proverbs 21:23), controls their anger (Proverbs 16:32), and exercises restraint in eating, drinking, and spending.
Paul and the Athletic Metaphor
Paul compared the Christian life to athletic training: 'Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things' (1 Corinthians 9:25). Athletes disciplined their bodies for a perishable crown; believers do so for an imperishable one. Paul declared, 'I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection' (1 Corinthians 9:27). Self-control requires intentional, ongoing effort.
Spirit-Empowered Self-Control
As the capstone fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), egkrateia is ultimately produced by the Holy Spirit, not by sheer willpower. Human effort alone fails; the Spirit empowers believers to say no to ungodliness (Titus 2:12). Peter adds self-control to the ladder of spiritual growth (2 Peter 1:5-7), showing it is developed progressively through faith, knowledge, and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does self-control mean in the Bible?
Self-control (egkrateia) means mastery over one's desires, impulses, and appetites. It is the ability to govern oneself under the Spirit's power rather than being ruled by passions.
Is self-control a fruit of the Spirit?
Yes. It is the final fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, indicating that true self-control is Spirit-produced rather than merely self-generated willpower.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Self-Control"?
Galatians 5:23 — "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (KJV). It also appears in Proverbs 25:28, 2 Peter 1:6.
Why does the Greek word behind "Self-Control" matter?
Egkrateia combines en ('in') and kratos ('power' or 'strength'), meaning 'inner power' or 'self-mastery.' In classical Greek, it described athletes who disciplined their bodies for competition. English uses one word, "Self-Control", where the Greek ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia) carries the fuller sense: mastery over one's desires and impulses — inner strength to govern oneself.
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