Lexical Summary adélotés: Uncertainty, obscurity Original Word: ἀδηλότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance uncertain. From adelos; uncertainty -- X uncertain. see GREEK adelos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 83 adēlótēs– properly, uncertainty (indefinite, unperceived). 83 /adēlótēs ("unrecognized"), used only in 1 Tim 6:17. Here it shows earthly riches will be utterly unrecognized in heaven – i.e. lacking any real value at the judgment-bar of God. See 82 (adēlos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom adélos Definition uncertainty NASB Translation uncertainty (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 83: ἀδηλότηςἀδηλότης, (ητος, ἡ, uncertainty: 1 Timothy 6:17 πλούτου ἀδηλότητι equiv, to πλούτῳ ἀδήλω, cf. Winers Grammar, § 34, 3 a. (Polybius, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Philo.) Topical Lexicon Conceptual Overview Strong’s Greek 83 portrays the fragile, shifting character of material resources. It signals that wealth, however impressive, is inherently incapable of guaranteeing safety, satisfaction, or permanence. Scripture consistently contrasts that instability with the steadfast reliability of God Himself. Context in 1 Timothy 6:17 Paul instructs Timothy: “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). The apostle neither condemns possession nor praises poverty for its own sake; rather, he exposes the futility of anchoring hope to something intrinsically uncertain. The charge is pastoral: redirect confidence from possessions to the Provider. The Uncertainty of Earthly Wealth Across Scripture • Proverbs 23:5 reminds that riches “sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” These passages echo a single refrain: wealth is transient and powerless to secure the future. Strong’s 83 captures that common biblical witness. Historical and Cultural Background First-century Ephesus enjoyed banking, commerce, and the lucrative trade linked to the Temple of Artemis (Acts 19:24-27). Believers lived amid conspicuous affluence. By naming the “uncertainty” of riches, Paul exposes the cultural illusion that Ephesus—or any economic center—could guarantee well-being. His warning is timeless, bridging ancient markets and modern financial systems. Theological Implications 1. Divine Sufficiency: God “richly provides” (1 Timothy 6:17). Only He possesses the constancy wealth lacks. Pastoral and Practical Applications • Preaching: Expose cultural myths of financial security; highlight God’s faithful provision. Intertextual Links The term’s idea converges with imagery of moth, rust, and thieves (Matthew 6:19), with the fragile flower (Isaiah 40:6-8), and with the collapsing barns of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21). Each metaphor heightens the contrast between temporal assets and God’s enduring word. Concluding Summary Strong’s Greek 83 crystallizes the Bible’s verdict: material wealth is inherently uncertain. Its presence is never wrong, yet its instability forbids it from serving as the believer’s hope. Scripture calls the church to enjoy God’s gifts, steward them wisely, hold them loosely, and anchor confidence solely in the unchangeable Giver. Forms and Transliterations αδηλοτητι αδηλότητι ἀδηλότητι adeloteti adelóteti adēlotēti adēlótētiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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