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

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 5 minutes to learn more!

Bible Snack: Temperance

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)].

Egkrateia

G1466 ἐγκράτεια egkrateia (eng-kra’-tei-a) n. self-control. The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites¹
[from G1468] KJV: temperance.

• Definition: mastery, self-control.
• Usage: self-mastery, self-restraint, self-control, continence
  1. As Paul spoke of justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became fearful. [Acts 24:25a (ISV)].
  2. 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. [Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)].
  3. And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [2 Peter 1:6 (KJV)].

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.

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.

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

Egkrateuomai

G1467 ἐγκρατεύομαι egkrateuomai (eng-kra-tev’-o-mai) v. 1) to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity) on demand. KJV: can(-not) contain, be temperate

• Definition: To exercise power or self-control.
• Usage: egkrateuomai is used twice in the KJV.
  1. But if they cannot control their bodies, then they should marry. It is better to marry than to burn with lust. [1 Corinthians 7:9 (ICB)].
  2. ‘Everyone who wants to show his strength must control himself in every way. They do it for a prize that will spoil. But what we do, we do for a reward that will never, never spoil.³ [1 Corinthians 9:25 (WE)].

1468 – the root of 1466

Egkrates

G1468 ἐγκρατής egkrates (eng-kra-tees’) adj. 1. strong in a thing (masterful). 2. (figuratively and reflexively) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.).
[from G1722 and G2904] KJV: temperate

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

4998 – temperate

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.

• 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 meaning “abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use⁵“

Temperance wrap-up

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, 2 Peter 1:5-6 (AUV)

The Holy Spirit enables one to have power over oneself. That power is for you to use. So, I urge you to use ‘temperance’, it is available on demand!

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

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

Self-control; Take Control Now with This Gift From God – an estimated 19-minute read.

Goodness Says: I Have A Great Outlook On Life! – an estimated 13-minute read.

Joyful; Endure Your Life Tests; Be Full Of Joy – an estimated 18-minute read.

Patience from God Will Help You Endure Life Troubles – an estimated 17-minute read.

Kindness; A Quality All Christians Should Show To Others – an estimated 19-minute read.

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

Sources

¹ biblehub.com || ² webstersdictionary1828.com || ³ lexiconcordance.com || ⁴blueletterbible.org || internationalstandardbible.com || ⁵ studylight.org.