ἀδιάλειπτος
adiáleiptos
G88 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Unceasing, not pausing or interrupted; describes something that continues without stopping or break. In context, typically characterizes actions or states that are constant, ongoing, or persistent, such as continuing in prayer, remembrance, or activity.
Semantic Range
unceasing, continual, without interruption, persistent, constantly, habitually
Root / Etymology
From the negative prefix ἀ- (not) + διαλείπω (to pause, to cease temporarily); thus, 'not pausing.' διαλείπω itself derives from διά (through, throughout) and λείπω (to leave, to abandon).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek, ἀδιάλειπτος commonly appears in moral or religious exhortation, especially in New Testament epistles (e.g., 'unceasing prayer' in 1 Thessalonians 5:17). The term is not frequent in classical Greek; its usage likely emerges or becomes prominent in Hellenistic and Koine sources. The word conveys the sense of habitual, constant activity rather than absolute uninterrupted action — for example, 'unceasing' prayer is understood as persistent or recurring, not literally non-stop. English translations typically render as 'continual,' 'without ceasing,' or 'constantly,' though 'uninterrupted' is also possible depending on context. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it lacks intrinsic religious content but acquires such associations contextually. Related terms are διαλείπω (to pause, take a break), διεπαύω (to cease entirely), and ἐπιμένω (to persist), which have overlapping yet distinct nuances.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of a compound of διά and λείπω; unintermitted, i.e. permanent:--without ceasing, continual.
Root Family
ἀδιάλειπτος (adialeiptos) — unceasing, without interruption, continual, persistent
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G88-02 |
ἀδιάλειπτος | adialeiptos | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
unceasing | unceasingly | unceasing | 1 |
G88-01 |
ἀδιάλειπτον | adialeipton | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
unceasing | unceasing (feminine singular accusative) | unceasing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G88-02 |
Romans 9:2 | ἀδιάλειπτος | adialeiptos | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
unceasing | unceasingly | unceasing |
G88-01 |
2 Timothy 1:3 | ἀδιάλειπτον | adialeipton | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
unceasing | unceasing (feminine singular accusative) | unceasing |