ἀκρατής (G0193) — without self-control, intemperate¶
Part of the 2 Timothy 3:1–5 Vice List study
Contents¶
- Overview
- Etymology and Semantic Range
- OT / LXX Background
- NT Distribution
- Theological Note
- NT Occurrences
Overview¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Strong's | G0193 |
| Greek | ἀκρατής |
| Transliteration | akrates |
| Gloss | without self-control, intemperate |
| 2 Tim 3 verse | 3:3 |
| KJV rendering | "incontinent" |
| NT occurrences | 1 (1 book) |
| LXX occurrences (canonical) | 0 |
Etymology and Semantic Range¶
Alpha-privative + κράτος (strength, power, control). NT hapax legomenon. Aristotle's term for the person who knows what is right but cannot control themselves enough to do it (Eth. Nic. VII).
No LXX occurrences. The cognate ἐγκράτεια (self-control) is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23) and a virtue the Pastorals commend for elders (Tit 1:8). ἀκρατής is its direct opposite.
OT / LXX Background¶
Hebrew חֲסַר לֵב (lacking sense/heart, Pro 6:32; 7:7) and פָּרַע (unrestrained, Exo 32:25 of Israel at the golden calf) cover similar ground.
NT Distribution¶
Theological Note¶
The Aristotelian background is worth noting: classical virtue ethics considered ἀκρασία (incontinence) a fundamental character defect. Paul adopts the term but locates its remedy not in philosophical discipline but in the Spirit's fruit of ἐγκράτεια.
NT Occurrences¶
| Reference | Greek form | KJV text |
|---|---|---|
| 2Ti 3:3 | ἀκρατεῖς, | Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are goo… |