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ἀκαιρέομαι

akairéomai

G170 verb

SILEX Entry

Root καιρ- to lack the opportune moment, to miss the right time, to be without opportunity

Definition

To lack the right or fitting time, to miss an opportune moment, or to be without the opportunity (for something); specifically, to not be present at a favorable occasion or to be unable to act at the appropriate time. The verb conveys the sense of absence of circumstance or timing that would make an action possible or timely.

Semantic Range

to lack opportunity, to miss a suitable time, to be unable to act at the right time, to have an unseasonable circumstance, to be absent from a fit occasion

Root / Etymology

Compound of the negative prefix ἀ- (a-, 'not, without') and the noun καιρός (kairos, 'critical or opportune moment, right time'), forming a verb meaning 'to be without opportunity or right time.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb ἀκαιρέομαι is a rare word, attested only in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, and appears infrequently in extant literature. In the New Testament, it is found in Philippians 4:10 ("you lacked opportunity"). The root καιρός designates not chronological time (which would be χρόνος) but a 'critical' or 'opportune' moment, and the prefix ἀ- reverses or negates this, emphasizing the absence or lack of such a timely opportunity. The nuance is less that of an outright refusal or impossibility, and more the absence of suitable circumstances or possibility. English versions often translate as 'you lacked opportunity,' which essentially captures the sense, but the Greek emphasizes the missed or unavailable season or situation. The verb does not carry theological weight and is not common outside Christian texts. Compared to related forms like ἀκαίρως ('unseasonably, at the wrong time'), this deponent form restricts the focus to the subject's circumstances or experiences, not the act of acting at an improper time.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

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.

Root Family

ἀκαιρέομαι (akairéomai) — to lack the opportune moment, to miss the right time, to be without opportunity

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G170-01 ἠκαιρεῖσθε ekaireisthe V IMPF MID IND 2P PL you lacked opportunity you were lacking opportunity 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G170-01 Philippians 4:10 ἠκαιρεῖσθε ekaireisthe V IMPF MID IND 2P PL you lacked opportunity you were lacking opportunity
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