αὐτάρκης
autárkēs
G842 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having enough for oneself, self-sufficient—denotes the capacity or state of having what is needed without reliance on others; especially describes an inner state of contentment or independence, often in the face of external circumstances. Used to refer to both material sufficiency and a mindset of being unfazed by lack or abundance.
Semantic Range
self-sufficient, independent, content, content with one's circumstances, able to manage with what one has, inner sufficiency
Root / Etymology
From αὐτός (self) and ἀρκέω (to suffice, to be enough); meaning 'sufficient in oneself' or 'having enough in oneself'. The term is a compound adjective combining the sense of 'self' with 'enough' or 'sufficiency'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek (e.g., Plato, Xenophon), αὐτάρκης describes a person, city, or philosophical ideal of self-sufficiency or independence—lacking in nothing necessary, reliant upon one's own resources (sometimes in the context of philosophical autarkeia as an ethical ideal). In Hellenistic philosophy, especially among the Cynics and Stoics, it becomes a central term for an inward state of contentment or independence from external circumstances. In the New Testament (Philippians 4:11), Paul uses the term to convey the idea of being content regardless of situation—reflecting more the philosophical notion of learned sufficiency within. English translations with 'content' or 'contented' approximate the term, but may overlook its philosophical resonance of autonomy or independence from external wants. In the Septuagint, the precise term does not appear, but related ideas are often conveyed by sufficiency or provision.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from αὐτός and ἀρκέω; self-complacent, i.e. contented:--content.
Root Family
αὐτάρκ- (autárkēs) — to suffice, to be enough, to have contentment
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G842-01 |
αὐτάρκης | autarkes | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
content | self-sufficient | self-sufficient | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G842-01 |
Philippians 4:11 | αὐτάρκης | autarkes | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
content | self-sufficient | self-sufficient |