ἐγκρατ-εύομαι G1467
exercise self-control, practice restraint
This middle voice verb means to exercise self-control or discipline oneself. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 7:9 regarding sexual self-control in marriage contexts, and in 9:25 of athletic training discipline. The term emphasizes active self-mastery rather than mere passive restraint. Ancient Greek also used it for forcing oneself to do something difficult, highlighting the intentional, effortful nature of self-discipline.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Describing the active practice of self-control, this sense applies both to sexual restraint (1 Cor 7:9) and athletic discipline (9:25). The multilingual pattern emphasizes the reflexive action ('se controla' in Spanish, 'se maîtriser' in French), highlighting personal agency in mastering one's desires. Paul's athletic imagery in 9:25 draws on the well-known rigorous training regimen of ancient competitors. 2×
AR["يَضْبِطوا", "يَضْبِطُ"]·ben["তারা-সংযমী-হয়,", "সে-সংযমী-হয়;"]·DE["enthaltsam-sein"]·EN["exercises-self-control", "they-have-self-control"]·FR["se-maîtriser"]·heb["מִתְאַפְּקִים", "מִתְאַפֵּק"]·HI["संयम-करता-है", "संयम-करते"]·ID["mengendalikan-diri", "mereka-dapat-mengendalikan-diri,"]·IT["esercitare-autocontrollo"]·jav["ngendhalèni;", "piyambakipun-nahan,"]·KO["절제한다"]·PT["se-contêm,", "é-temperante;"]·RU["воздерживается;", "воздерживаются,"]·ES["se-controla", "se-controlan"]·SW["anajizuia;", "kujizuia,"]·TR["kendilerini kontrol ediyorlarsa", "kendini kontrol eder"]·urd["ضبط-کرتا-ہے", "ضبط-کرتے"]
Related Senses
H3045 1. Qal: to know, perceive, understand (829×)H5315 1. soul, inner being (647×)H3820a 1. heart, inner self (mind/will/emotion) (572×)H4672 1. Qal: find, discover (289×)G1492 1. know facts or truths (285×)H3824 1. heart, inner self (mind/will/emotion) (250×)H1245 1. seek, search for (200×)G1097 1. know, be acquainted with (196×)H2142 1. Qal: remember, recall (173×)G2588 1. heart (inner self, mind, will) (158×)H0977 1. choose, select (Qal active) (145×)G2147 1. find, discover (144×)G5590 1. soul, inner self (100×)H4672 2. Niphal: be found, be discovered (99×)H1875 1. seek, search for (96×)H5315 2. life, vitality (94×)H1847 1. knowledge, discernment (90×)H2450 1. wise, prudent (84×)H7911 1. Qal: to forget (83×)H3684 1. fool, dullard (70×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἐγκρατ-εύομαι, exercise self-control, NT+4th c.BC+; force oneself to do a thing, LXX; starve oneself, Refs 2nd c.AD+ __II to be a member of the Encratite sect, Anatolian Studies Refs