Lexical Summary akaireomai: To lack opportunity, to miss the right time Original Word: ἀκαιρέομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lack opportunity. From a compound of a (as a negative particle) and kairos (meaning unseasonable); to be inopportune (for oneself), i.e. To fail of a proper occasion -- lack opportunity. see GREEK a see GREEK kairos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom akairos (unseasonable) Definition to have no opportunity NASB Translation lacked opportunity (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 170: ἀκαιρέομαιἀκαιρέομαι, : (imperfect ἠκαιρούμην); (ἄκαιρος inopportune); to lack opportunity, (opposed to εὐκαιρέω): Philippians 4:10. (Photius, Suidas, Zonaras ( Topical Lexicon Definition and Nuance Built on the noun “kairos” (season, suitable time) and the privative prefix “a-,” the verb in Philippians 4:10 paints a picture of being “de-timed”—having the desire or intention to act but being prevented by circumstances from doing so. It does not imply apathy or negligence; rather, it describes a heart that is ready yet providentially restrained until the right moment arrives. Occurrence and Context Philippians 4:10: “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you lacked opportunity.” (Berean Standard Bible) Paul is thanking the believers in Philippi for their renewed material support. Their love and concern never lapsed, but their ability to demonstrate it had been blocked—possibly by distance, political unrest, or limited travel routes between Philippi and Rome. The once-for-all occurrence of the verb underscores both their ongoing concern and the sovereign timing that finally freed them to act. Historical Background Philippi lay on the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road, yet reliable couriers were costly and travel could be dangerous. Paul wrote from imprisonment (Philippians 1:13), likely in Rome. Funds had to be gathered, entrusted to Epaphroditus, and carried across the Adriatic. Any of these steps could have stalled their gift. The verb acknowledges those practical hindrances without casting blame. Theological Themes 1. Providence and Timing: Scripture presents God as orchestrating opportunities (Proverbs 16:9; Acts 16:6-10). Philippians 4:10 affirms that believers may be eager to serve yet temporarily unable, demonstrating that outcomes rest finally with God’s calendar. Practical Ministry Insights • Supporters and missionaries alike should recognize God’s timing. Unforeseen barriers do not nullify commitment. Related Biblical Concepts • “Out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) employs a cognate adjective to urge readiness irrespective of convenience, complementing the verb in Philippians 4:10, which acknowledges times when action is impossible. Devotional Reflection Believers may experience seasons when their zeal to serve or give seems blocked by health, finances, or closed doors. Philippians 4:10 offers reassurance: God notes both the intention and the delay. When He removes the impediment, long-nurtured concern can “blossom again,” bringing joy to giver and receiver and glory to the Lord who controls every kairos. Forms and Transliterations ηκαιρεισθε ηκαιρείσθε ἠκαιρεῖσθε ekaireisthe ekaireîsthe ēkaireisthe ēkaireîstheLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 4:10 V-IIM/P-2PGRK: καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ NAS: you were concerned [before], but you lacked opportunity. KJV: careful, but ye lacked opportunity. INT: also you were thinking you were lacking opportunity moreover |
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