ἀδήλως
adḗlōs
G84 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner that is not clear or definite; indicating lacking clarity, certainty, or explicitness. The term denotes performing or expressing something in a way that is ambiguous, indistinct, or without clear evidence. In various contexts, it may refer to ambiguous speech, unclear action, or something done without manifest certainty.
Semantic Range
unclearly, indistinctly, ambiguously, without certainty, not manifestly, with uncertain aim or intent
Root / Etymology
Adverbial form of ἄδηλος (adēlos, 'uncertain', 'unclear', 'not manifest'), itself from the alpha privative (ἀ-) plus δῆλος ('clear', 'manifest'). Thus, 'not clearly'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἀδήλως is rare, attested sparingly in extant Greek literature, with primary attestation in Hellenistic and Koine sources, including the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:26). The usage often points to modes of action or intention that are ambiguous or lacking in purposeful clarity. The English term 'uncertainly' is the standard translation, but does not fully capture the nuances of ambiguity and indistinctness inherent in the term. In Greek rhetorical and philosophical usage, related terms could pertain to imprecision in argument or expression. Distinct from ἀφανῶς ('secretly', 'invisibly'), which emphasizes concealment rather than lack of clarity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἄδηλος; uncertainly:--uncertainly.
Root Family
ἀδήλως (adēlōs) — not clear, not manifest, uncertain, indistinct
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G84-01 |
ἀδήλως | adelos | ADV |
uncertainly | unclearly | unclearly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G84-01 |
1 Corinthians 9:26 | ἀδήλως | adelos | ADV |
uncertainly | unclearly | unclearly |