ἀκαίρως
akaírōs
G171 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
At an unsuitable or inappropriate time; in a manner not fitted to a favorable or proper occasion. ἀκαίρως expresses the idea of doing something when the timing is not advantageous, apt, or expected. It can denote disruption, untimeliness, or acting at a time regarded as inopportune.
Semantic Range
inopportunely, at an unsuitable time, untimely, out of season, inappropriately, prematurely
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἄκαιρος (akairōs, 'unseasonable, improperly timed'), which itself derives from the alpha privative ἀ- ('not, without') and καιρός ('due measure, proper time, season, opportunity').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀκαίρως and related forms are used to describe actions or events that occur without regard to an appropriate or favorable moment. In Koine Greek, including the New Testament (see 2 Timothy 4:2), it retains this temporal nuance, highlighting an act done when the circumstances are not suitable or expedient. The underlying assumption is the value of καιρός ('opportune time'); thus, ἀκαίρως positions an action outside the ideal or intended moment. English traditions translation as 'out of season' may obscure the broader sense of 'inappropriately timed' or 'unseasonably.' Usage in the Septuagint is rare, but the term fits broader Greek/Hellenistic discourse on timing and suitability.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from the same as ἀκαιρέομαι; inopportunely:--out of season.
Root Family
ἀκαίρως (akairōs) — not at the right time, unseasonably, inopportunely
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G171-01 |
ἀκαίρως | akairos | ADV |
out of season | at an unsuitable time | at an unsuitable time | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G171-01 |
2 Timothy 4:2 | ἀκαίρως | akairos | ADV |
out of season | at an unsuitable time | at an unsuitable time |