In an uncertain or aimless manner; without a clear goal
Adēlōs (adverb form of adēlos) means 'without certainty' or 'without a clear aim.' It appears once in the NT (1 Corinthians 9:26), where Paul describes his own approach to apostolic ministry: 'I do not run like someone running aimlessly (adēlōs); I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.' The word is contrasted with purposeful, disciplined effort. Paul is making the case for intentionality and self-discipline in the Christian life.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 is one of Paul's most famous athletic metaphors. He calls believers to run to win, to exercise discipline, to avoid disqualification. Adēlōs captures the opposite of this: aimless, random, without purpose. The Christian life is not passive drift but active, disciplined pursuit. Hebrews 12:1 echoes the same image: 'Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.' The goal (telos) is Christ-likeness; the prize is the 'crown that will last forever' (1 Cor 9:25). Purposeful discipleship requires knowing where you are going and pursuing it with Spirit-empowered intentionality.