### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀδηλότης (adelotēs - `{{G83}}`) is derived from the adjective ἄδηλος (adelos - `{{G82}}`), which means "unseen," "uncertain," "not manifest," or "obscure." Consequently, ἀδηλότης denotes the abstract quality or state of being unseen, obscure, or, most prominently, uncertain. Its core semantic range encompasses ideas of instability, unreliability, and a lack of clarity or permanence. It describes a condition where an outcome is not guaranteed, or a true nature is not evident, fundamentally conveying "uncertainty" or "precariousness."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma ἀδηλότης (adelotēs - `{{G83}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Timothy 6:17]].
In this passage, Paul instructs Timothy: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." The phrase in question is "τῷ πλούτου τῆς ἀδηλότητος" (tō ploutou tēs adelotētos), which literally translates to "the riches of uncertainty" or, as commonly rendered, "uncertain riches." Here, ἀδηλότης describes the intrinsic character of worldly wealth. It is not merely that wealth *can be* uncertain, but that its very nature is defined by uncertainty. This uncertainty speaks to its impermanence, its inability to provide lasting security, and its potential for rapid loss or devaluation. The term starkly contrasts the inherent unreliability of material possessions with the absolute reliability and steadfastness of the "living God," who is the true and abundant provider. The context underscores a warning against misplaced trust, urging believers to recognize the ephemeral nature of earthly wealth and to anchor their hope in the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root adjective ἄδηλος (adelos - `{{G82}}`), meaning "uncertain" or "not manifest." This adjective is used in [[Luke 11:44]] to describe "unseen graves" and in [[1 Corinthians 14:8]] concerning an "uncertain sound" of a trumpet, both instances conveying a lack of clarity or visibility.
Antonyms and related concepts that highlight the contrast to ἀδηλότης include:
* ἀσφαλής (asphalēs - `{{G806}}`): "secure," "certain," "safe."
* βέβαιος (bebaios - `{{G949}}`): "firm," "steadfast," "sure."
* ἀληθής (alēthēs - `{{G227}}`): "true," "certain," "real."
The biblical theme of the transient nature of worldly possessions is pervasive (e.g., [[Matthew 6:19-21]], [[Luke 12:16-21]], [[Proverbs 23:5]]). ἀδηλότης specifically encapsulates the inherent *instability* and *unreliability* that makes such riches an unsuitable object of ultimate trust.
### Theological Significance
The single use of ἀδηλότης (adelotēs - `{{G83}}`) in [[1 Timothy 6:17]] carries profound theological weight. It functions as a sharp critique of materialism and the human tendency to derive security from temporal wealth. By labeling riches as "uncertain," the inspired text exposes their fundamental inadequacy as a foundation for hope or trust. This uncertainty is not merely an external risk but an intrinsic quality, rendering wealth inherently unreliable.
Theological significance also emerges from the stark contrast drawn between "uncertain riches" and "the living God." This juxtaposition redirects the believer's focus and allegiance from the fleeting and unstable to the eternal and utterly dependable. God is presented as the true source of all good things, the one who "gives us richly all things to enjoy." This implies that genuine security, lasting satisfaction, and true enjoyment flow from a relationship with Him, not from the accumulation of wealth.
Furthermore, the admonition against being "highminded" in conjunction with trusting in "uncertain riches" underscores the call to humility and a proper stewardship of resources. The inherent ἀδηλότης of wealth should serve as a constant reminder that it is a gift to be managed for God's glory, not an ultimate guarantor of well-being or a source of pride. It calls believers to anchor their hope in the immutable character of God alone.
### Summary
ἀδηλότης (adelotēs - `{{G83}}`) is a Greek noun signifying "uncertainty" or "instability," derived from ἄδηλος (adelos - `{{G82}}`), meaning "unseen" or "uncertain." Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, in [[1 Timothy 6:17]], describes worldly possessions as "uncertain riches." This powerful descriptor highlights the inherent precariousness and unreliability of material wealth as a source of ultimate trust or security. The term underscores a vital theological principle: human reliance must be placed not on the transient and unstable nature of earthly possessions, but exclusively on the living God, who is the ultimate, steadfast, and abundant provider of all good things. The ἀδηλότης of wealth serves as a crucial reminder of its inability to deliver lasting satisfaction or true security, thereby compelling the believer to fix their hope and trust firmly upon the dependable character of God.
TRV