Lexical Summary adialeiptos: Unceasing, continual, without interruption Original Word: ἀδιάλειπτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without ceasing, continual. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of a compound of dia and leipo; unintermitted, i.e. Permanent -- without ceasing, continual. see GREEK a see GREEK dia see GREEK leipo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 88 adiáleiptos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "no" and 1257 /dialeípō, "an interval") – properly, no unnecessary gaps in space or time, i.e. "as often as required" (as frequent as is necessary). See 89 (adialeiptōs). 88 /adiáleiptos ("without unjustified interval") refers to what happens regularly, without implying "always" or "uninterruptedly." [88 (adiáleiptos) occurs in the papyri meaning "regularly, yet intermittent" – like a persistent cough (see Moulton-Milligan).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and dialeipó Definition incessant NASB Translation constantly (1), unceasing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 88: ἀδιάλειπτοςἀδιάλειπτος (διαλείπω to intermit, leave off), unintermitted, unceasing: Romans 9:2; 2 Timothy 1:3. (Tim. Locr. 98 e.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 88 describes a state that does not pause or break. In the canonical Scriptures the term is attached to the life of the apostle Paul and reveals how a regenerate heart expresses itself in two complementary directions: fervent prayerful remembrance of fellow believers and abiding grief for those who remain outside of Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament Although the word itself appears only twice, both contexts stand at critical junctures in Paul’s ministry and theology: the anguish of Romans 9–11 and the personal exhortations of the Pastoral Epistles. Unceasing Prayer and Remembrance In 2 Timothy 1:3 Paul writes, “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my forefathers, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers”. The vocabulary of unbroken continuity underscores that prayer is not a sporadic exercise but the very atmosphere in which the apostle lives. For Paul, prayer is not merely a duty; it is the reflex of love and faith, sustained “night and day.” The passage also demonstrates that intercession is relational. Timothy is remembered personally and affectionately. The enduring nature of Paul’s petitions models how Christian leaders are to cherish their co-laborers: by lifting them before the throne of grace without delay or interruption. Persistent Sorrow for the Lost Romans 9:2 records Paul’s confession: “I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart”. The constancy of the grief parallels the constancy of his prayers. Here the apostle’s heart mirrors the heart of Christ, whose compassion never slackens. The sorrow is not despair but a holy burden that fuels ongoing evangelistic zeal, as seen in the missionary thrust of Romans 10. Apostolic Pastoral Model Taken together, the two uses present a balanced portrait of mature ministry: 1. Continuous intercession for believers. Paul’s life is therefore marked by spiritual vigilance on two fronts—nurturing the flock and seeking the lost. The unceasing character of both tasks challenges modern believers to resist compartmentalized spirituality. Theological Reflections 1. Prayer and compassion spring from the new covenant heart promised in Jeremiah 31:33. Historical and Linguistic Background Outside the New Testament the adjective was employed in medical and rhetorical literature to describe chronic conditions or uninterrupted speech. Septuagintal parallels are rare, making the New Testament usage all the more pointed: Paul deliberately selects a word that communicates uninterrupted continuity, whether of inward feeling or outward activity. Implications for Christian Ministry • Discipleship: Genuine care for fellow believers is measured not by occasional contact but by sustained prayer. Related Concepts in Scripture • 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” These verses employ cognate terms or allied ideas, reinforcing the biblical motif of sustained spiritual attentiveness. Conclusion Strong’s 88 captures the heartbeat of apostolic Christianity: relentlessness in prayerful remembrance of the saints and relentlessness in yearning for the salvation of sinners. Such constancy reflects the enduring love of God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, and summons every believer to a life marked by uninterrupted fellowship with Him and unwavering concern for His purposes in the world. Forms and Transliterations αδιαλειπτον αδιάλειπτον ἀδιάλειπτον αδιαλειπτος αδιάλειπτος ἀδιάλειπτος adialeipton adiáleipton adialeiptos adiáleiptosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 9:2 Adj-NFSGRK: μεγάλη καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη τῇ NAS: sorrow and unceasing grief KJV: heaviness and continual sorrow in my INT: great and unceasing sorrow in the 2 Timothy 1:3 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 88 |
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