Lexical Summary akairós: Inopportunely, untimely, out of season Original Word: ἀκαίρως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance out of season, untimely.Adverb from the same as akaireomai; inopportunely -- out of season. see GREEK akaireomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as akaireomai Definition out of season NASB Translation season (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 171: ἀκαίρωςἀκαίρως (καιρός), adverb, unseasonably, (A. V. out of season) (opposed to εὐκαίρως): 2 Timothy 4:2 (whether seasonable for men or not). (Sir. 35:4; (Aeschylus Ag. 808); Plato, de rep. x., p. 606 b.; Tim. 33 a.; 86 c.; Xenophon, Ephesians 5, 7; Josephus, Antiquities 6, 7, 2, others.) Topical Lexicon Context in the Pastoral Epistles In Paul’s final letter, he charges Timothy: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). The adverb translated “out of season” accentuates an unwavering readiness that is not limited to favorable circumstances. Paul writes as a prisoner expecting martyrdom (4:6-8), so the exhortation carries the weight of a dying apostle’s last will. Within the immediate context (4:1-5) Timothy is to persevere amid false teaching, moral drift, and indifference. Readiness, therefore, is both urgent and costly. Old Testament Background and Continuity Although the adverb itself is unique to the New Testament, the underlying call echoes prophetic mandates such as Ezekiel 3:17-19 and Jeremiah 1:7-8 where God’s messengers must speak regardless of audience response. Proverbs 24:11-12 similarly calls for intervention even when inconvenient. Paul’s instruction thus aligns with the unbroken biblical theme that divine truth is never hostage to cultural calendars or human receptivity. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Obedience: The charge presupposes God’s prerogative to speak at all times, obligating the herald to obey rather than negotiate timing. Practical Ministry Application • Sustained Readiness: Per Paul’s triad—“reprove, rebuke, encourage”—ministers must engage hearts, minds, and wills whether welcomed or resisted. Historical Witness of the Church • Early Church: The Didache urges teaching “morning and evening,” reflecting an early recognition of season-transcending ministry. Related Biblical Themes Readiness – 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 6:15 Steadfastness – 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9 Prophetic Boldness – Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29 Watchfulness – Matthew 24:42-46; Mark 13:33 Illustrative Examples • Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40): A Spirit-prompted desert encounter demonstrates ministry “out of season” to a single soul. Pastoral Encouragement Ministers today face apathy, hostility, and competing narratives. The single occurrence of this adverb in Scripture serves as a clarion call: the preacher’s calendar is governed by divine appointment, not societal convenience. Whether the world deems the message timely or not, proclaimers of the word must stand ready, assured that “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Forms and Transliterations ακαιρως ακαίρως ἀκαίρως ακακία ακακίαν ακακίας akairos akairōs akaíros akaírōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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