Pronunciation Guide: ah-day-LO-tays

Basic Definition

Strong’s G83: A state of being hidden, unclear, or uncertain. This term describes something that is not manifest, evident, or clearly seen, encompassing both physical and metaphorical obscurity.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Root Word: ἄδηλος (adēlos) – meaning “unclear, uncertain”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching and philosophical discourse

Word Morphology:

• ἀδηλότης (nominative singular) – uncertainty
• ἀδηλότητος (genitive singular) – of uncertainty
• ἀδηλότητι (dative singular) – in/with uncertainty

Word Origin & History

The word ἀδηλότης emerges from the combination of the negative prefix ‘α-‘ (meaning “not”) and δῆλος (dēlos, “clear, evident”). In classical Greek literature, this term appears in philosophical works, notably in Aristotle’s “Rhetoric,” where he discusses the uncertainty of future events and human knowledge.

The concept was particularly important in Hellenistic philosophical discussions about epistemology and the limits of human knowledge. Plutarch employs related forms in his “Moralia” when discussing the uncertainty of fortune and life’s circumstances.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The state of being unclear or uncertain
• Hidden or obscure nature of something
• Unpredictability or indefiniteness

Translation Options:

1. “Uncertainty” – Best captures the general sense of something being unknown or unclear
2. “Obscurity” – Emphasizes the hidden nature of something
3. “Unpredictability” – Highlights the temporal aspect of future uncertainty

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀδηλότης appears only once, in 1 Timothy 6:17, where Paul warns against putting hope in uncertain riches. This usage powerfully contrasts the uncertainty of worldly wealth with the certainty of God’s provision.

The concept, though rare in its noun form, has related adjectival uses that emphasize the contrast between earthly uncertainty and divine certainty. The theme resonates throughout Scripture, particularly in wisdom literature.

Key Cross References:

• “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to fix their hope on the uncertainty [ἀδηλότης] of riches” 1 Timothy 6:17 uncertainty

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, uncertainty was a major philosophical and practical concern. The wealthy would diversify their investments across multiple ventures due to the “ἀδηλότης of riches” – ships could sink, crops could fail, and political fortunes could change overnight. This economic reality would have resonated deeply with Timothy’s wealthy congregants in Ephesus.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀδηλότης serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human knowledge and control, contrasting sharply with God’s omniscience and sovereignty. When Paul warns against trusting in the uncertainty of riches, he’s not merely giving financial advice but pointing to a deeper spiritual truth: all earthly securities are ultimately uncertain, while God alone provides unshakeable certainty.

This word beautifully illuminates the necessity of faith, as we navigate through life’s uncertainties while trusting in Him who knows the end from the beginning. It reminds us that our ultimate security lies not in what we can see and control, but in the faithful character of our sovereign God.

Personal Application

When we grasp the reality of ἀδηλότης in our lives, it should drive us to deeper dependence on God. Rather than being paralyzed by life’s uncertainties, we can find peace in knowing that while much remains unclear to us, nothing is unclear to Him. This understanding invites us to practice active trust, making plans while holding them loosely and maintaining our primary hope in God’s faithful character.

Related Words

• ἄδηλος (adēlos) [AH-day-los] – unclear, uncertain, not evident. See G82
• ἀδήλως (adēlōs) [ah-DAY-loce] – uncertainly, without clear purpose. See G84
• δῆλος (dēlos) [DAY-los] – clear, evident, manifest. See G1212

Did you Know?

• The word ἀδηλότης was used in ancient medical writings to describe symptoms that were unclear or difficult to diagnose, showing how the concept of uncertainty was important in multiple fields of ancient knowledge.
• In ancient maritime insurance contracts, this term was sometimes used to describe the uncertain nature of sea ventures, reflecting its practical application in business contexts.
• The concept continues to be relevant in modern Greek, where derivatives of this word family are used in scientific contexts to describe statistical uncertainty and probability.

Remember This

ἀδηλότης reminds us that embracing life’s uncertainties while trusting in God’s certainties is the essence of walking by faith, not by sight.