Lexical Summary adélós: Uncertainly, indistinctly Original Word: ἀδήλως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance uncertainly. Adverb from adelos; uncertainly -- uncertainly. see GREEK adelos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 84 adḗlōs – properly, not apparent because not clearly seen (distinguished). See 82 (ádēlos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom adélos Definition uncertainly NASB Translation without aim (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 84: ἀδήλωςἀδήλως, adverb, uncertainly: 1 Corinthians 9:26 οὕτω τρέχω, ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως i. e. not uncertain whither; cf. Meyer at the passage ((Thucydides, others.)) Topical Lexicon Scope and SettingThe adverb ἀδήλως appears only once in the Greek New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 9:26. Authored by the Apostle Paul, the verse belongs to a section (1 Corinthians 9:19-27) in which Paul defends his apostolic practice and exhorts believers to disciplined, purposeful service. The solitary occurrence gives the word a concentrated theological weight, allowing its nuance to be understood entirely within Paul’s athletic analogy. Paul’s Athletic Imagery In the Isthmian Games context familiar to Corinth, runners and boxers trained with clear goals: the wreath and public honor. Paul seizes that imagery: “Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:26) By denying any “aimless” motion, Paul stresses intentionality. The runner’s course and the boxer’s target illustrate a ministry governed by definite direction. The verb tenses (“I do run…I do fight”) portray ongoing vigilance, not a single moment of focus. Contrast with Spiritual Aimlessness Scripture frequently highlights the danger of purposeless religion. Israel’s wilderness wandering (Psalm 78:33), the double-mindedness condemned in James 1:8, and the drift warned against in Hebrews 2:1 show the steady biblical theme that life without clear spiritual orientation wastes opportunity and invites judgment. Paul’s negation of ἀδήλως stands in line with these warnings, affirming that Christian life and ministry must be marked by clarity of goal and steadfast pursuit. Theological Implications 1. Stewardship of Calling Believers are entrusted with gifts and a mission (1 Peter 4:10). To operate ἀδήλως would be to bury the talent (Matthew 25:25), but Paul models purposeful use of every resource for the gospel. 2. Perseverance and Reward Paul’s denial of aimlessness anticipates the “imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Later he declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). The consistent forward movement that ἀδήλως negates underscores assurance of reward to those who persevere intentionally. 3. Holistic Discipline The surrounding context (1 Corinthians 9:27) links purpose to self-control: “I discipline my body and make it my slave…” Purpose safeguards holiness; aimlessness breeds moral laxity (see Proverbs 29:18). Historical and Ministry Significance Early Christian writers echoed Paul’s concern. Ignatius urged the Ephesian church to run in unity toward the Father’s goal, while Polycarp called believers to “run with endurance the race set before us.” Throughout church history, revivals and missionary movements have been characterized by clarity of vision—an implicit rejection of ἀδήλως service. In pastoral practice, this term reminds leaders to preach, plan, and shepherd with well-defined objectives rooted in Scripture. Mission boards draft purpose statements; local congregations articulate discipleship pathways; individual believers adopt spiritual disciplines—all modern applications of Paul’s refusal to run aimlessly. Related Scriptural Motifs • Purposeful race: Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 3:13-14 Practical Reflection Each believer can ask: Paul’s single use of ἀδήλως is enough to establish a timeless principle: authentic Christian living rejects vagueness, embracing intentional, Spirit-directed progress toward the glory of God in Christ. Forms and Transliterations αδηλως αδήλως ἀδήλως adelos adēlōs adḗlos adḗlōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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