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Introduction
Understanding Greek words like θεοσεβής (theosebēs) is crucial for deepening our comprehension of Biblical texts, as it often reveals the nuances of godliness and devotion within the early Christian community. The word θεοσεβής is particularly significant because it captures the essence of a life dedicated to reverence for God. This term, though rarely used, holds immense value in Biblical studies for interpreting both the internal attitude and outward actions of believers in relation to their faith. Additionally, it provides insight into the values and ethics that were esteemed in the ancient Greek and early Christian worlds.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θεοσεβής (theosebēs), [theh-oh-SEH-bace]
- Etymology: Derived from two Greek root words: θεός (theos), meaning “God,” and σέβομαι (sebomai), meaning “to revere” or “to worship.” Together, the word means “reverent towards God” or “pious.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Grammatical Details: First and third declension adjective; used in both masculine and feminine forms
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Devout
- God-fearing
- Reverent toward God
Similar Words: εὐσεβής (eusebēs), [yoo-SEH-bace] – While both θεοσεβής and εὐσεβής denote piety and reverence, εὐσεβής often implies general piety, including proper respect for both divine and human authorities. In contrast, θεοσεβής focuses more specifically on devotion directed toward God.
Further Insights: θεοσεβής is an adjective that can be used in both masculine and feminine forms and can describe someone who is pious or godly. It comes from the combination of θεός (God) and σέβομαι (to revere). Below is a table showing the declension of θεοσεβής:
| Case | Singular (Masc./Fem.) | Plural (Masc./Fem.) | Singular (Neuter) | Plural (Neuter) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | θεοσεβής | θεοσεβεῖς | θεοσεβές | θεοσεβῆ |
| Genitive | θεοσεβοῦς | θεοσεβῶν | θεοσεβοῦς | θεοσεβῶν |
| Dative | θεοσεβεῖ | θεοσεβέσι(ν) | θεοσεβεῖ | θεοσεβέσι(ν) |
| Accusative | θεοσεβῆ | θεοσεβεῖς | θεοσεβές | θεοσεβῆ |
| Vocative | θεοσεβής | θεοσεβεῖς | θεοσεβές | θεοσεβῆ |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines θεοσεβής as “devout” or “pious,” emphasizing its usage in describing individuals who display a genuine reverence for God in their conduct and character.
- Thayers: Describes θεοσεβής as “godly,” particularly referring to those who are reverent towards God and have a deep sense of piety.
- Vines: Explains θεοσεβής as “reverent towards God,” highlighting its significance in the New Testament for portraying the moral and spiritual quality of true devotion.
- LSJ: Notes that θεοσεβής was also used in classical literature to denote someone who is “pious” or “devout,” reflecting the societal expectation of religious behavior.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists θεοσεβής as “reverent towards God” and indicates its root words as θεός (God) and σέβομαι (to revere), emphasizing a form of godliness marked by a deep, heartfelt devotion.
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Related Scripture References
- John 9:31 – “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is godly (θεοσεβής) and does His will, He hears him.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Philo | On the Special Laws | “A truly godly (θεοσεβής) person holds not just outward piety but inward devotion.” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “The Pharisees, being godly (θεοσεβής), were known for their strict adherence to the law.” |
| Plutarch | Moralia | “A godly (θεοσεβής) man finds his strength in his devotion to the divine.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Maccabees 12:45 | “It is good to offer prayer for the dead, that they may be released from their sin, for such actions are θεοσεβής.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 31:23 | “O love the Lord, all ye his godly ones (θεοσεβής): for the Lord preserveth the faithful.” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 14:2 | “He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord (θεοσεβής), but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.” |
Summary of θεοσεβής (G2318)
θεοσεβής (theosebēs), meaning “godly” or “devout,” is a descriptive term for someone who lives with a deep reverence for God. The word combines the roots θεός (God) and σέβομαι (to revere) and conveys a comprehensive sense of piety that involves both inner conviction and outward action. In the New Testament, it is used to emphasize the kind of devotion that aligns one’s life with God’s will. The term also appears in classical literature to denote individuals who are exemplary in their piety and devotion. Understanding θεοσεβής helps us appreciate the depth of faith and character expected of early Christians and how this shaped their identity in the broader Greco-Roman world.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The word θεοσεβής was used not only to describe individuals within the Jewish or early Christian communities but also in Greek and Roman societies to denote those who were considered morally upright and devout, regardless of their specific religious beliefs. This usage reflects the importance of piety as a universal virtue in ancient cultures.
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