Lexical Summary adélos: Uncertainly, indistinctly Original Word: ἀδήλως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unseen, uncertain. From a (as a negative particle) and delos; hidden, figuratively, indistinct -- appear not, uncertain. see GREEK a see GREEK delos HELPS Word-studies 82 ádēlos (from 1 /A "not" and 1212 /dḗlos, "self-evident") – properly, unclear, indistinct, not immediately obvious (evident); (figuratively) indefinite, uncertain; not evident (perceived), unrecognized. [This is also the meaning of this term when used by Sophocles and Polybius (Abbott-Smith).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and délos Definition unseen, not manifest NASB Translation concealed (1), indistinct (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 82: ἄδηλοςἄδηλος, (δῆλος), not manifest: Luke 11:44; indistinct, uncertain, obscure: φωνή, 1 Corinthians 14:8. (In Greek authors from Hesiod down.) (Cf. δῆλος, at the end; Schmidt, chapter 130.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance Ἄδηλος describes something whose presence or character cannot be readily perceived. The idea is not that the thing is absent, but that it lies unnoticed, indistinct, or without a clear signal. In Scripture this quality is shown to be spiritually dangerous, because what is concealed or vague may lull the unsuspecting into complacency. Biblical Occurrences 1. Luke 11:44 – “Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves that men walk over without even noticing.” Contextual Insights Luke 11:44 1 Corinthians 14:8 Intertextual Connections • Ezekiel 33:2–6 pictures a watchman sounding a clear warning; the indistinct signal of 1 Corinthians 14:8 contrasts with the faithful watchman’s trumpet. Historical Interpretation • Early Christian writers such as Chrysostom seized on Luke 11:44 to caution clergy against living “double lives” that secretly damage the flock. Doctrinal and Pastoral Significance Purity of Life and Doctrine – Hidden sin among leaders invites corporate defilement; therefore, continual self-examination and open accountability are vital. Clarity in Communication – The church’s mission demands an unmistakable message. Ambiguity in teaching, prophecy, or worship diminishes readiness for spiritual battle. Readiness for Christ’s Return – A clear trumpet call gathers the saints for action; an indistinct one leaves the army unprepared. Believers are exhorted to watchfulness and discernment. Practical Applications • Preachers and teachers should labor for comprehensibility, avoiding jargon that muffles truth. Summary Ἄδηλος, though used only twice in the New Testament, casts a spotlight on two perennial hazards: concealed corruption and unclear proclamation. Both threaten the vitality and holiness of God’s people. Scripture therefore calls believers to lives of evident integrity and to speech that sounds forth the gospel with unmistakable certainty. Forms and Transliterations αδηλα άδηλα ἄδηλα αδηλον άδηλον ἄδηλον adela adēla ádela ádēla adelon adēlon ádelon ádēlonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 11:44 Adj-NNPGRK: μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα καὶ οἱ NAS: to you! For you are like concealed tombs, KJV: graves which appear not, and the men INT: graves unmarked and the 1 Corinthians 14:8 Adj-AFS |