αὐτάρκεια
autárkeia
G841 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primary meaning: self-sufficiency; a state or condition of having enough, not needing outside assistance. Semantic range includes (1) independence due to sufficient resources, (2) an internal condition of being content with what one has, and (3) philosophical or ethical ideal of being self-contained or at peace irrespective of external circumstances.
Semantic Range
self-sufficiency, sufficiency, contentment, independence, state of being satisfied with one's circumstances, a philosophical ideal of not relying on others or external things
Root / Etymology
From αὐτάρκης (autarkēs, 'self-sufficient'), composed of αὐτός ('self') + ἀρκέω ('to suffice, to be enough'). The suffix -εια (-eia) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition. Thus, αὐτάρκεια means 'the state of having enough of oneself,' or 'self-sufficiency.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek literature and philosophy, especially among the Cynics and Stoics, αὐτάρκεια denoted the philosophical ideal of self-sufficiency or independence from external needs, often valued as a virtue. It appears rarely in the Septuagint and the New Testament, most notably in 2 Corinthians 9:8 ('having all sufficiency in all things') and 1 Timothy 6:6 ('godliness with contentment'). In Koine usage, it emphasizes an inward disposition of contentment or sufficiency—being satisfied regardless of circumstance—over material abundance. Standard English translations often render it as 'contentment' or 'sufficiency,' but may not always convey the ethical or philosophical overtones of self-mastery and independence from external conditions inherent in the term's Greek background.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from αὐτάρκης; self-satisfaction, i.e. (abstractly) contentedness, or (concretely) a competence:--contentment, sufficiency.
Root Family
αὐτάρκ- (autárkeia) — to be sufficient, to suffice, to be enough
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G841-01 |
αὐτάρκειαν | autarkeian | N ACC F SG |
sufficiency | self-sufficiency | self-sufficiency | 1 |
G841-02 |
αὐταρκείας | autarkeias | N GEN F SG |
contentment | of self-sufficiency | self-sufficiency | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G841-01 |
2 Corinthians 9:8 | αὐτάρκειαν | autarkeian | N ACC F SG |
sufficiency | self-sufficiency | self-sufficiency |
G841-02 |
1 Timothy 6:6 | αὐταρκείας | autarkeias | N GEN F SG |
contentment | of self-sufficiency | self-sufficiency |