Quick Definition
I exercise self-control
Strong's Definition
to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity)
Derivation: middle voice from G1468 (ἐγκρατής);
KJV Usage: can(-not) contain, be temperate
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἐγκρατεύομαι (see ἐν, III. 3); depon, middle; to be self-controlled, continent (ἐγκρατής); to exhibit self-government, conduct oneself temperately: (used absolutely in Gen_43:30); with the dative of respect, τῇ γλώσσῃ, Sir_19:6 variant; πάντα, in everything, every way, 1Co_9:25 (in a figure drawn from athletes, who in preparing themselves for the games abstained from unwholesome food, wine, and sexual indulgence); οὐκ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι, said of those who cannot curb sexual desire, 1Co_7:9. Though this word does not occur in the earlier Greek writings that have come down to us (except in Aristotle, eth. Eudem. 2, 7, p. 1223{b} , 13th edition, Bekker), yet its use is approved of by Phrynichus; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 442; (Winer's Grammar, 25).
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
ἐγκρατεύομαι enkrateuomai 2x
to possess the power of self-control or continence, 1Co_7:9 ; to practise abstinence, 1Co_9:25
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
ἐγκρατεύομαι ,
depon .,
[in LXX for H662 , Gen_43:31 , 1Ki_13:12 , Ezr_5:10 ΰ 3 * ;]
to exercise self-control: 1Co_7:9 ; c . acc , πάντα ( v. Bl., 91), 1Co_9:25 .†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
ἐγκρατεύομαι [page 180]
With the Christian inscription cited s.v. ἐγκράτεια sub fin. may be compared another inscription erected in honour of a certain Orestina who lived in continence ἐνκρατευσαμένη ( Ath. Mittheil. , 1888, p. 272) : see Ramsay Luke , p. 399 f. where no extravagant asceticism is thought to be implied in any of these terms.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
ἐγκρατεύομαι, depon.,
[in LXX for אפק, Gen.43:31, 1Ki.13:12, Est.5:10 א 3 * ;]
to exercise self-control: 1Co.7:9; with accusative, πάντα (see Bl., 91), 1Co.9:25.†
(AS)