You are here: Home >> Values & Character >> Character Qualities >> Self Control |
This study is based on three groups New Testament Greek words. Here are the definitions, in English. For those who are interested, the specific Greek words are given in PART 2. But this is optional, and the study can be understood without them.
The FIRST Word Group: Being "in control" (focus mainly on the mind).
The SECOND Word Group: NOT being "out of control" (focus mainly on the mind).
The THIRD Word Group: Applying control to our actions.
The third word group has a somewhat different focus. Whereas the previous two words focused more on one's mind - controlling one's thoughts or thinking properly - this word focuses on the control of one's actions. The opposite concept ("lack of self-control" - same Greek root word) is also included in this part of the study.
Words from two of the groups occur together in four passages:
1 Timothy 3:2 - Overseers must be...
Titus 1:8 - Overseers must be...
Titus 2:2 - Older men are to be...
1 Peter 4:7 - All are to be...
Two observations can be quickly noted from these verses:
At one time or another, words from each word group can be translated
as "self-control," for each group focuses on some aspect of
this broad concept.
PART 2 of the Introduction looks at the Greek words themselves. This is optional and can be skipped, if desired. [The study of Greek words can be helpful, but is not a mandatory prerequisite for studying the Scriptures! That is why God gave us translators!]
Dennis Hinks © 1996
"KJV" refers to the King James Version; "NIV" refers to the New
International Version; "NAS" refers to the New American Standard Version.
041130