Temperance

Temperance aka self-control is to avoid excess. To not over-do-it. Give yourself 5 minutes to learn more!

temperance is self-control

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law [Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)].

G1466 ἐγκράτεια egkrateia (eng-kra’-tei-a) n. self-control (especially continence). The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites¹.

This is a brief lesson to aid in getting to know the meaning and use of ‘temperance’. Darby (1890) was the first to translate egkrateia as ‘self-control’. Since that time more and more of the modern translators have done the same. However, this lesson will focus on temperance.

Definition

Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions². Often defined as abstinence from alcoholic drinks. Self-control.

in the KJV Bible

It is important for you to know that temperance was found in three verses in the KJV. In Acts 24:25, Galatians 5:23, and 2 Peter 1:6. The New KJV and Revised KJNT translators always replace it with ‘self-control’.

1467 – temperate

G1467 ἐγκρατεύομαι egkrateuomai (eng-kra-tev’-o-mai) v. 1) to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity). 2) to be self-controlled.

• Definition: To exercise power or self-control.
• Usage: egkrateuomai is used twice in the KJV.
  1. 1 Corinthians 7:9 ‘they cannot contain‘ meaning abstain from sexual relations ‘they should marry‘.
  2. 1 Corinthians 9:25 ‘temperate‘ in a figure drawn from athletes, who in preparing themselves for the games abstained from unwholesome food, wine, and sexual indulgence³.

1468 – the root of 1466

G1468 ἐγκρατής egkrates (eng-kra-tees’) adj. 1. strong in a thing (masterful). 2. (figuratively and reflexively) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.).

• Definition: controlling oneself⁴.
• Usage: egkrates (temperate) is used once in the KJV. Titus 1:8 specifying that one of the qualifications of an elder/bishop is that he be ‘temperate’ (self-controlled).

4998 – temperate

G4998 σώφρων sophron (sō’-frōn) adj. 1. (literally) safe (sound) in mind. 2. (generally) self-controlled. 3. (by extension) moderate (as to opinion or passion).

• Definition: curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled.
• Usage: in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8 ‘sophron’ is “sober” in the KJV. ‘Temperate‘ in Titus 2:2 and ‘discreet‘ in Titus 2:5.

Note: sober in Titus 2:2 comes from the greek word nephaleos. It means “to abstain from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use⁵“

Temperance wrap-up

Vine’s says “the various powers bestowed by God upon man are capable of abuse. The right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God⁶“. Remember this,  the Holy Spirit enables you to have power over yourself. That power is for you to use. So, I urge you to use ‘self-control’!

Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Related Bible studies:

Self-control from the Holy Spirit || Understanding self-control

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

Reference Scriptures

Note: parenthesis (#) encloses the key verse(s).

Acts 24:22-27 (25); Galatians 5:16-26 (22-23); 2 Peter 1:5-11 (6). 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (8-9) and 9:24-27 (25). Titus 1:5-9 (8).

Sources

¹ biblehub.com || ² webstersdictionary1828.com || ³ lexiconcordance.com || ⁴blueletterbible.org || internationalstandardbible.com || ⁵ studylight.org || ⁶ W. E. Vine’s New Testament Word Pictures: Matthew to Acts page 970.