Brief Overview of εὐλαβέομαι (Strong’s G2125: eulabeomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the meanings behind the Scriptures and reveals the cultural and linguistic context of the early Christian era. The Greek word εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) is particularly significant because it denotes a sense of caution or reverent fear, often in the context of religious observance or moral responsibility. Exploring εὐλαβέομαι helps us appreciate the nuances of how early Christians and ancient Greeks understood the importance of carefulness, reverence, and piety in their spiritual and everyday lives.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) [yoo-lah-BEH-oh-my]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning “to take” or “to receive.” Combined, it implies “to take hold well” or “to be cautious.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice, deponent.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To be cautious
• To act with reverence
• To fear (in a reverent sense)
• To show piety

Similar Words: The word εὐλαβέομαι is closely related to φοβέομαι (phobeomai), which means “to fear.” However, while φοβέομαι can refer to both reverent and terror-inducing fear, εὐλαβέομαι focuses on a fear that results in careful, respectful action. Another related word is σεβομαι (sebomai), meaning “to worship” or “to venerate,” which emphasizes devotion more than the cautious and conscientious aspect conveyed by εὐλαβέομαι.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐλαβέομαι is a verb in the middle voice, which often conveys a sense of the subject acting with reference to themselves—indicating self-protection or self-preservation through caution. Being a deponent verb, it appears in a passive or middle form but is translated actively in English.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐλαβέομαι as “to be cautious” or “to act with reverence,” particularly in contexts involving potential danger or divine presence. It emphasizes a careful approach in matters of spiritual significance.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐλαβέομαι as “to fear” in a sense that implies reverent and cautious behavior. It is often used to convey a pious attitude towards God or sacred duties.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary notes that εὐλαβέομαι conveys “to be careful” or “to act with godly fear.” It is employed in contexts where spiritual prudence or moral conscientiousness is required.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical understanding of εὐλαβέομαι as “to act with caution” or “to show reverence.” It is used in secular Greek literature to denote a guarded approach, whether in relation to the gods or other forms of authority.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines εὐλαβέομαι as “to be circumspect” or “to fear.” It highlights the sense of acting carefully, with an awareness of divine standards or potential danger.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear (εὐλαβήθης), prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐλαβέομαι (G2125: eulabeomai)

The Greek word εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) is a verb that means “to act with caution,” “to fear (reverently),” or “to be pious.” It combines εὖ (“well”) and λαμβάνω (“to take”), emphasizing a careful approach in spiritual and moral contexts. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide detailed definitions and contexts for the term, illustrating its importance in expressing a thoughtful and reverent response to divine matters. Both in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, εὐλαβέομαι reflects the ancient emphasis on caution, reverence, and prudence in one’s actions.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εὐλαβέομαι, while primarily used in religious contexts, was also applied in secular ancient Greek literature to describe the cautious actions of warriors, politicians, and philosophers? It reflects a mindset of prudence and careful consideration, crucial in both spiritual and everyday decisions!