Pronunciation Guide: ah-kay-ROCE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G171: An adverb meaning “out of season,” “at an inconvenient time,” or “when the time is not right.” This word specifically describes actions performed without regard to proper timing or opportunity, often implying persistence despite unfavorable circumstances. It stands in direct contrast to εὐκαίρως (eukairōs), which means “in season” or “at an opportune time.”

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Derived from ἄκαιρος (akairos), combining:
• α- (a-): negative prefix meaning “not”
• καιρός (kairos): opportune time, season
• Primary usage in teaching and exhortation contexts
• Found in Hellenistic Greek literature and philosophical works

ἀκαίρως Morphology:

• ἀκαίρως (adverbial form) – unseasonably, out of season
• ἄκαιρος (adjective) – untimely, unseasonable
• ἀκαιρία (noun) – unseasonableness, inopportuneness

Origin & History

The concept of ἀκαίρως emerges from ancient Greek philosophy’s emphasis on proper timing and opportunity. Plato, in his “Republic,” discusses the importance of καιρός (kairos) in education and governance, with its negative form ἀκαίρως representing actions performed without proper consideration of timing.

Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” uses ἀκαίρως to describe poorly timed actions that diminish the effectiveness of otherwise virtuous behavior. The word gained particular significance in Stoic philosophy, where it represented actions that went against the natural order and timing of events.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Acting without regard to proper timing or circumstances
• Persisting despite unfavorable conditions
• Operating outside of conventional or expected timing

ἀκαίρως Translation Options:

• “Out of season” – Emphasizes the temporal aspect of improper timing
• “Unseasonably” – Highlights the contrast with natural or expected timing
• “Inopportunely” – Stresses the lack of favorable circumstances
• “Regardless of convenience” – Captures the persistence aspect implied in the word

Biblical Usage

The word ἀκαίρως appears most notably in 2 Timothy 4:2, where Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word “in season and out of season” (εὐκαίρως καὶ ἀκαίρως). This powerful pairing emphasizes the constant readiness and persistence required in ministry, regardless of circumstances or reception.

The use of ἀκαίρως in this context creates a paradox: what seems “unseasonable” from a human perspective may be precisely within God’s timing. It challenges believers to maintain faithful witness even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

• “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season [ἀκαίρως]” 2 Timothy 4:2

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, timing was considered crucial in rhetoric and public speaking. Skilled orators were expected to recognize and respect καιρός – the right moment for specific types of speech or argument. The instruction to speak ἀκαίρως would have been particularly striking to Timothy’s Greek audiences, as it challenged conventional wisdom about appropriate timing for public discourse.

This cultural tension highlights the counter-cultural nature of the gospel message, which demands proclamation regardless of social conventions or cultural expectations about proper timing.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀκαίρως in 2 Timothy 4:2 reveals a profound theological truth about God’s sovereignty over time and circumstances. While humans may perceive certain moments as “unseasonable” for gospel proclamation, God’s timing transcends human understanding and social conventions.

This word points to the urgency of the gospel message and the believer’s call to faithful witness regardless of external circumstances. It challenges the human tendency to wait for “perfect conditions” and instead emphasizes immediate obedience to God’s call.

The pairing of εὐκαίρως and ἀκαίρως suggests that God’s work continues unabated through both favorable and unfavorable seasons, reflecting His unchanging nature and persistent love for humanity.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκαίρως challenges believers to examine their own readiness to serve and witness for Christ. Are we willing to speak truth when it’s uncomfortable? To serve when it’s inconvenient? To stand firm when culture opposes the message?

This word reminds us that our calling transcends comfortable circumstances and convenient timing. It encourages believers to develop a steadfast faith that persists in obedience regardless of external conditions or apparent receptiveness.

Related Words

• εὐκαίρως (eukairōs) – seasonably, at the right time (pronunciation: yoo-KAY-roce) – Direct antonym emphasizing proper timing See G2122
• καιρός (kairos) – appointed time, proper season (pronunciation: kay-ROCE) – Root word denoting divinely appointed time See G2540
• ἄκαιρος (akairos) – untimely, unseasonable (pronunciation: AH-kay-roce) – Adjectival form See G170
• πάντοτε (pantote) – at all times, always (pronunciation: PAN-toh-teh) – Related concept of continual action See G3842

Did you Know?

• Ancient Greek rhetoricians developed elaborate theories about καιρός (the right timing), making Paul’s instruction to preach ἀκαίρως particularly revolutionary in that cultural context.
• The concept of speaking “out of season” was so contrary to Greek rhetorical training that some ancient manuscripts show scribal attempts to soften this instruction.
• Modern Greek still uses ἄκαιρος (akairos) to describe untimely or inappropriate actions, maintaining its ancient meaning across millennia.

Remember This

When God calls us to speak and act for His kingdom, His timing supersedes all human notions of convenience and propriety.