82. adélos

Lexicon

adélos: Uncertainly, indistinctly

Original Word: ἀδήλως
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: adélos
Pronunciation: ah-DAY-los
Phonetic Spelling: (ad'-ay-los)
Definition: Uncertainly, indistinctly
Meaning: unseen, not obvious, inconspicuous, indistinct.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

unseen, uncertain.

From a (as a negative particle) and delos; hidden, figuratively, indistinct -- appear not, uncertain.

see GREEK a

see GREEK delos

HELPS Word-studies

82 ádēlos (from 1 /A "not" and 1212 /dḗlos, "self-evident") – properly, unclear, indistinct, not immediately obvious (evident); (figuratively) indefinite, uncertain; not evident (perceived), unrecognized.

[This is also the meaning of this term when used by Sophocles and Polybius (Abbott-Smith).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and délos
Definition
unseen, not manifest
NASB Translation
concealed (1), indistinct (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 82: ἄδηλος

ἄδηλος, (δῆλος), not manifest: Luke 11:44; indistinct, uncertain, obscure: φωνή, 1 Corinthians 14:8. (In Greek authors from Hesiod down.) (Cf. δῆλος, at the end; Schmidt, chapter 130.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἀδήλος (adēlos), meaning "uncertain" or "not manifest."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀδήλως, the concept of uncertainty or lack of clarity can be found in various Hebrew terms that convey similar meanings. Some related Hebrew words include:

- תֹּהוּ (tohu) • often translated as "formless" or "void," used in Genesis 1:2 to describe the earth before creation, conveying a sense of chaos or lack of order.
- עָמַם (amam) • meaning "to be dim" or "to be dark," used metaphorically to describe lack of clarity or understanding.

These Hebrew terms, like ἀδήλως, highlight the importance of clarity, purpose, and order in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Usage: The term ἀδήλως is used in the New Testament to describe actions or behaviors that are carried out without a clear purpose or direction. It appears in contexts where the lack of certainty or clarity is emphasized.

Context: The Greek adverb ἀδήλως is found in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:26, where the Apostle Paul uses it to describe the manner in which he does not conduct his life or ministry. In this passage, Paul contrasts his purposeful and disciplined approach to his apostolic mission with the idea of living or acting "uncertainly" or "aimlessly."

1 Corinthians 9:26 (BSB): "Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air."

In this context, ἀδήλως is used metaphorically to illustrate the importance of having a clear goal and direction in one's spiritual journey and ministry. Paul emphasizes that his efforts are not random or without purpose, but rather intentional and directed towards achieving a specific spiritual objective. This reflects a broader biblical principle of living with intentionality and purpose, avoiding a life characterized by uncertainty and lack of direction.

The use of ἀδήλως in this passage serves as an exhortation to believers to pursue their spiritual goals with clarity and determination, avoiding the pitfalls of aimlessness and indecision. It underscores the value of having a clear vision and purpose in the Christian life, aligning one's actions with the overarching mission of serving God and advancing His kingdom.

Forms and Transliterations

αδηλα άδηλα ἄδηλα αδηλον άδηλον ἄδηλον adela adēla ádela ádēla adelon adēlon ádelon ádēlon

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 11:44 Adj-NNP
GRK: μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα καὶ οἱ
NAS: to you! For you are like concealed tombs,
KJV: graves which appear not, and the men
INT: graves unmarked and the

1 Corinthians 14:8 Adj-AFS
GRK: γὰρ ἐὰν ἄδηλον σάλπιγξ φωνὴν
NAS: produces an indistinct sound,
KJV: give an uncertain sound,
INT: indeed if an uncertain a trumpet sound

Strong's Greek 82
2 Occurrences

ἄδηλα — 1 Occ.
ἄδηλον — 1 Occ.