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G88 · Greek · New Testament
ἀδιάλειπτος
Adialeiptos
Adjective
Unceasing, without interruption, constant

Definition

The Greek adjective adialeiptos and its adverb adialeiptōs mean unceasing, without interruption, or constant. The adverb form occurs 4 times in the New Testament. It is a compound word: a (not) + dia (through) + leip (leave) = that which does not cease or leave off.

Usage & Theological Significance

Adialeiptos is most famously used in Paul's charge to 'pray without ceasing' (adialeiptōs, 1 Thessalonians 5:17) — one of the most challenging and misunderstood commands in the New Testament. Paul cannot mean non-stop verbal prayer; rather, he envisions a life of constant prayerful orientation toward God — a consciousness never fully removed from divine communion. He also describes his own intercession for the Roman church as 'unceasingly' (adialeiptōs) remembering them in his prayers (Romans 1:9). This word paints the portrait of a life so saturated in God that prayer becomes the atmosphere of every moment, not a scheduled activity.

Key Bible Verses

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing (adialeiptōs).
Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ — without ceasing.
Romans 9:2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart for the sake of my Jewish brothers and sisters.
2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

Related Words

External Resources

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