Temperance aka self-control is the ability to avoid excess. In other words, it is a restraint on demand. Also, to exercise control; to remain sober and in charge. There is no pressure, so give yourself 6 minutes to learn more!

Revised: Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Temperance Is Restraint On Demand, To Be Sober; Self-controlled

STM Bible Snack

This is a brief snack to aid in getting to know the meaning of ‘temperance’. The ASV in 1901 was the first to translate egkrateia as ‘self-control’ in Galatians 5:23. Since that time modern translators have done the same. However, this lesson will focus on temperance as found in the King James Version and the early modern English Bibles.

It is an old word for self-control

Galatians 5:22-23 [read Galatians 5:16-26 (22-23)]: God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. (CEV); KJV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Egkrateia – temperance: G1466 ἐγκράτεια egkrateia (eng-kra’-tei-a) n. self-control. The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites [biblehub.com] [from G1468] KJV: 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 King James Bible Dictionary – patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.

Usage: self-mastery, self-restraint, self-control, continence

You can find temperance in 3 passages (Acts 24:25, Galatians 5:23 {above}, and 2 Peter 1:6 {below wrap-up})

Acts 24:25 [read Acts 24:22-27 (25)]: As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, “For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again.” (ISV); KJV: And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Temperate (3 Greek words)

1. Egkrateuomai – temperate: G1467 ἐγκρατεύομαι egkrateuomai (eng-kra-tev’-o-mai) v. to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity) on demand. KJV: can(-not) contain, be temperate
2. Egkrates (the root of egkrateia) – temperate: G1468 ἐγκρατής egkrates (eng-kra-tees’) adj. 1. strong in a thing (masterful). 2. (figuratively and reflexively) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.). KJV: temperate
3. Sophron: 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). KJV: discreet, sober, temperate.

Definitions

1. Egkrateuomai: To exercise power or self-control. Cool; calm; not marked with passion; not violent.

2. Egkrates: controlling oneself [blueletterbible.org].

3. Sophron: curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled.

You can find temperate in 3 passages

1. Egkrateuomai: 1 Corinthians 9:25 [read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (25)]: All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (NLT); KJV: And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
2. Egkrates: Titus 1:8 [read Titus 1:8 (8)]: Instead, a church leader [elder, bishop (overseer)], must welcome people into his home. He must love what is good and be self-controlled, decent, holy, and disciplined. (RAD); KJV: But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
3. Sophron: Titus 2:2 [read Titus 2:2 (2)]: Teach older men to have self-control, to be serious, and to be wise. They should be strong in faith, strong in love, and strong in patience. (ICB); KJV: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.; Note: sober in Titus 2:2 comes from the greek word nephaleos meaning “abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use”.

Temperance wrap-up

2 Peter 1:5-6 [read 2 Peter 1: (5-6)]: And for this very reason, you people should make every effort to develop goodness along with your faith, 6 and knowledge along with your goodness, and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance, (AUV); KJV: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

The Holy Spirit enables one to have power over oneself; restraint on demand. That power is for you to use. So, I urge you to use ‘temperance’, i.e., be sober and self-controlled, it is available on demand! I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible snack. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺