Strong's Lexicon autarkés: Self-sufficient, content Original Word: αὐτάρκης Word Origin: Derived from αὐτός (autos, "self") and ἀρκέω (arkeō, "to suffice") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "autarkés," the concept of contentment and sufficiency can be related to Hebrew words like שָׂבַע (sava, "to be satisfied") and שָׁלוֹם (shalom, "peace, completeness"). Usage: The term "autarkés" conveys the idea of being self-sufficient or content, having enough within oneself to be satisfied. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a state of contentment and sufficiency that is not dependent on external circumstances. This concept is closely tied to the Christian virtue of contentment, where believers find their sufficiency in Christ rather than in material possessions or worldly status. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the idea of self-sufficiency was often associated with philosophical schools such as the Stoics, who valued independence from external needs and desires. However, the Christian understanding of "autarkés" differs significantly, as it emphasizes reliance on God's provision and strength rather than personal independence. This reflects a counter-cultural stance in the early Christian community, which prioritized spiritual contentment over material wealth. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 842 autárkēs (the adjectival form of 841 /autárkeia, "contentment") – properly, self-sufficient, content in the sense of being satisfied because living in God's content (fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in "low times" (suffering) as in "high times" (temporal prosperity). See 841 (autarkeia). 842 /autárkēs ("sufficiency within") occurs only in Phil 4:11 where it refers to positive self-sufficiency (inward adequacy) – i.e. that comes through the indwelling power of Christ. [842 (autárkēs) comes from autos ("self") and arkein ("sufficient") meaning "self"-sufficiency, which is entirely God-produced.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom autos and arkeó Definition self-sufficient, sufficient NASB Translation content (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 842: αὐτάρκηςαὐτάρκης (on the accent see Chandler § 705), ἀυταρκες, (αὐτός, ἀρκέω) (from Aeschylus down), "sufficient for oneself, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support; independent of external circumstances"; often in Greek writings from (Aeschylus and) Herodotus 1, 32 down. Subjectively, contented with one's lot, with one's means, though the slenderest: Philippians 4:11 (so Sir. 40:18; Polybius 6, 48, 7; (Diogenes Laërtius 2, 24 of Socrates, αὐτάρκης καί σεμνός). (Cf. αὐτάρκεια). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance content. From autos and arkeo; self-complacent, i.e. Contented -- content. see GREEK autos see GREEK arkeo Forms and Transliterations αυτάρκη αυταρκης αυτάρκης αὐτάρκης αυτόθι autarkes autarkēs autárkes autárkēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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