Modesty and Temperance in Ancient Greek Philosophy
In ancient Greek philosophy, the concepts of modesty and temperance were central to ethical thought, often appearing as virtues essential for a well-ordered life. The Greek term sophrosyne is frequently translated as temperance, moderation, or self-control, encompassing a range of related ideas.
For instance, the New Testament, written in Koine Greek, reflects these concepts. In 2 Peter 1:6, "temperance" (Greek: egkrateia) is listed among the virtues to be added to knowledge, patience, and godliness [1]. Similarly, Galatians 5:23 includes "temperance" as a fruit of the Spirit [2]. John Gill, in his commentary on Galatians, interprets this temperance as "continence," encompassing both chastity and sobriety, particularly moderation in eating and drinking [9]. Adam Clarke, commenting on 2 Peter, defines temperance as "a proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational" [7].
Modesty, often conveyed by terms like humility or lowliness, also held significant value. Ephesians 4:2 exhorts believers to walk "with all humility and gentleness" [3]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary notes that while in classical Greek, "lowliness" (Greek: tapeinophrosyne) could mean "meanness of spirit," the Gospel elevated the word to express a Christian grace: "the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves" [5]. This humility is linked to accepting God's dealings and patiently enduring injuries from others [5].
Another related concept is "moderation," as seen in Philippians 4:5. The Greek root for this term suggests "yieldingness" or "reasonableness of dealing," implying a considerateness for others that does not insist on one's own rights to the uttermost [4]. This virtue is exemplified by God, who does not press the strictness of His law against humanity as deserved [4].
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, also emphasizes these virtues for different age groups. He instructs that aged men should be "sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience," while aged women should be "in behavior as becometh holiness... teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands" [6]. The term "temperate" here is interpreted as "self-restrained" or "discreet" [8]. These instructions highlight the pervasive importance of self-control and appropriate conduct within early Christian ethical frameworks, echoing the broader philosophical emphasis on moderation and decorum.
Sources
- II Peter “II Peter 1:6 (Geneva1599) — And with knowledge, temperance: and with temperance, patience: and with patience, godlines:”
- Galatians “Galatians 5:23 (Webster) — Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 4:2 (NASB) — with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:5: moderation--from a Greek root, "to yield," whence yieldingness [TRENCH]; or from a root, "it is fitting," whence "reasonableness of dealing" [ALFORD], that considerateness for others, not urging one's own rights to the uttermost, but waiving a part, and thereby rectifying the injustices of justice. The archetype of this grace is God, who presses not the strictness of His law against us as we deserve (Psa 130:3-4); though having exacted the fullest payment for us from our Divine Surety. There are included in "moderation," candor and kindliness. Joy ”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:2: lowliness--In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [TRENCH]. meekness--that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (Sa2 16:11; compare Ga”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily IV. Titus ii. 2–5 “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” There are some failings which age has, that youth has not. Some ”
- 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 1:6: Temperance - A proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational. Patience - Bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering through all. Godliness - Piety towards God; a deep, reverential, religious fear; not only worshipping God with every becoming outward act, but adoring, loving, and magnifying him in the heart: a disposition indispensably necessary to salvation, but exceedingly rare among professors.”
- Titus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Titus 2:2: sober--Translated "vigilant," as sober men alone can be (Ti1 3:2). But "sober" here answers to "not given to wine," Tit 2:3; Tit 1:7. grave--"dignified"; behaving with reverent propriety. temperate--"self-restrained"; "discreet" [ALFORD], (Tit 1:8; Ti1 2:9). faith . . . charity [love] . . . patience--combined in Ti1 6:11. "Faith, hope, charity" (Co1 13:13). "Patience," Greek, "enduring perseverance," is the attendant on, and is supported by, "hope" (Co1 13:7; Th1 1:3). It is the grace which especially becomes old men, being the fruit of ripened exp”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”