ἀδηλότης (adēlotēs)
adēlotēs
uncertainty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun adēlotēs denotes a state of uncertainty or indefiniteness, derived from the root meaning "unseen" or "hidden." It describes situations where outcomes are unclear or knowledge is obscured by a lack of visibility. In biblical usage, it captures the human experience of facing the unknown without full insight into future events.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in First Timothy 6:17. Paul instructs the wealthy not to trust in their riches but in God, who provides all things richly for enjoyment. The context highlights that material wealth offers no guarantee against life's unpredictability, contrasting human instability with divine provision.
Translators typically render adēlotēs as "uncertainty" or "indefiniteness." The word emphasizes the fragility of relying on visible, temporary assets when the future remains hidden. It serves as a reminder that security found in wealth is inherently unstable compared to trust in God's consistent care.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like walking through a fog where the path ahead is hidden. We look for solid ground in our bank accounts, our careers, or our plans, hoping they will shield us from tomorrow's surprises. Yet, as Paul wrote to Timothy, these things carry an inherent uncertainty. They cannot guarantee safety or peace when circumstances shift unexpectedly.
There is a quiet freedom in admitting that we do not hold the reins of the future. When we release our grip on the instability of wealth and status, we are invited to rest in the One who provides consistently. This does not mean ignoring practical needs, but it does mean anchoring our hope in a God whose character never changes. His provision is reliable, even when our surroundings feel unclear.
This perspective offers a steady comfort for daily living. Instead of anxious calculation, we can practice gratitude for what is present today. Trusting in divine care allows us to face the unknown with calmness, knowing that our security rests on a foundation far stronger than any material asset.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] uncertainty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀδηλότητι1×
Key Verses
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I Timothy 6:17
Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
Paul explicitly contrasts the shifting nature of financial wealth with the stable provision of God, using this term to warn against placing ultimate hope in temporary resources.