from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and καιρός (meaning unseasonable); to be inopportune (for oneself), i.e. to fail of a proper occasion:--lack opportunity.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀκαιρέομαι (akairéomai, `{{G170}}`) is derived from the alpha privative (α-) combined with καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`), meaning "opportune time" or "fitting season." Thus, ἀκαιρέομαι fundamentally signifies "to be without an opportune time," "to lack a suitable occasion," or "to be inopportune for oneself." It denotes the absence of a propitious moment or the inability to seize an appropriate opportunity to act. Unlike χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`), which refers to linear, sequential time, καιρός speaks to a qualitative, appointed, or decisive moment. Therefore, ἀκαιρέομαι describes a state where the *right* time or the *fitting* circumstance for a particular action is absent, rather than merely a lack of time in general. This implies a constraint imposed by external circumstances or timing, preventing an intended action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀκαιρέομαι (akairéomai, `{{G170}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's letter to the Philippians:
* **[[Philippians 4:10]]**: "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you lacked opportunity." (NIV)
* The Greek phrase is "ἐφ᾽ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε, ἀλλ᾽ ἠκαιρεῖσθε" (eph' hō kai ephroneite, all' ēkaireisthe). The form ἠκαιρεῖσθε is the imperfect middle/passive indicative of ἀκαιρέομαι.
* In this context, Paul expresses profound gratitude for the Philippians' renewed financial support. He clarifies that their previous inability to send aid was not due to a lack of care or concern (ἐφρονεῖτε), but rather because they "lacked opportunity" (ἠκαιρεῖσθε). This implies that circumstances beyond their control had prevented them from acting on their benevolent intentions sooner. Paul's use of ἀκαιρέομαι here is a gracious acknowledgment of their continued care, despite the temporal gap in their expressions of support. It underscores his understanding that their delay was circumstantial, not volitional, and highlights his focus on their genuine desire to help.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀκαιρέομαι is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual counterparts:
* **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`):** The substantive root of ἀκαιρέομαι, meaning "opportune time," "season," or "appointed time." ἀκαιρέομαι is the negation of this, signifying the absence of such a moment. The New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of discerning and acting within the καιρός (e.g., [[Romans 13:11]], [[Ephesians 5:16]]).
* **ἀκαίρως (akairos, `{{G169}}`):** The adverbial form, meaning "unseasonably" or "inopportunely." While ἀκαιρέομαι describes the state of lacking opportunity, ἀκαίρως describes acting at an unsuitable time. For instance, [[2 Timothy 4:2]] exhorts Timothy to preach the word "in season and out of season" (εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως), suggesting readiness regardless of perceived convenience.
* **εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō, `{{G2119}}`):** The direct semantic opposite, meaning "to have a good opportunity," "to have leisure," or "to have time for." This verb (e.g., [[Mark 6:31]], [[Acts 17:21]]) speaks to the presence of an opportune moment.
* **εὐκαιρία (eukairia, `{{G2121}}`):** The noun form of "opportunity" or "convenient time" (e.g., [[Matthew 26:16]], [[Luke 22:6]]).
Together, these terms highlight a spectrum of temporal suitability, from the presence of a favorable moment to its absence or the act of proceeding despite unsuitability.
### Theological Significance
Though a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, the single occurrence of ἀκαιρέομαι in [[Philippians 4:10]] carries significant theological weight. It speaks to:
1. **Divine Providence and Human Limitation:** The word acknowledges that human intentions and desires, even good ones, can be constrained by circumstances and timing beyond one's control. It implicitly points to the overarching reality of God's sovereignty, where opportunities (or the lack thereof) are often part of a larger divine plan or a test of patience.
2. **Gracious Interpretation of Actions:** Paul's use of ἀκαιρέομαι demonstrates a profound understanding and grace. He does not attribute the Philippians' delayed support to neglect or lack of love, but to an external impediment. This models a charitable interpretation of others' actions, focusing on their heart's intent rather than merely the outward manifestation, especially when circumstances intervene.
3. **The Importance of Kairos:** By highlighting the *lack* of καιρός, the passage indirectly underscores the theological significance of "the opportune time." The Christian life is often characterized by discerning and seizing moments of divine appointment for service, evangelism, or acts of love. When such a καιρός is absent, as in the Philippians' case, it implies a period of waiting or a recognition that not all good intentions can be immediately actualized.
### Summary
ἀκαιρέομαι (akairéomai, `{{G170}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to lack opportunity" or "to be inopportune," stemming from the negation of καιρός (opportune time). Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Philippians 4:10]], reveals Paul's gracious understanding of the Philippians' inability to provide earlier support, attributing it to a lack of suitable circumstances rather than a deficiency in their care. This word, though rare, offers insight into the interplay of human intention, external constraints, and divine timing, reminding believers of the importance of both discerning opportune moments and extending grace when such moments are absent for others.
TRV