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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial because it allows readers to grasp the nuanced meanings behind the scriptures. The word εὐσεβέω (eusebeō, Strong’s G2151) is particularly significant as it relates to concepts of godliness and reverence—key themes in the New Testament. This term also provides valuable insights into ancient Greek culture’s view of piety and religious behavior, helping us to better interpret New Testament passages where it appears.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐσεβέω (eusebeō) [yoo-seb-EH-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the root words εὖ (eu, meaning “well” or “good”) and σέβω (sebō, meaning “to revere” or “worship”).
- Part of Speech: Verb. Present active indicative form.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To show piety or reverence toward God or parents.
- To act in a devout or religious manner, demonstrating respect or veneration.
- To worship or honor through appropriate actions.
Similar Words: εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) [yoo-SEB-ih-ah] also denotes piety but refers more to the quality or state of being devout, while σεβαστός (sebastos) [seb-AS-tos] means revered or venerable, often used in honorific contexts.
Further Insights: The verb εὐσεβέω indicates an active expression of piety, which is different from the noun form that expresses a state of being. This verb is used primarily in the context of religious devotion or showing reverence toward those deserving of honor. The verb’s conjugation reveals its use across various Greek tenses and moods, adding layers of meaning to its usage.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes εὐσεβέω as “to show proper reverence” or “to act in a way that honors or respects” particularly in religious contexts. BDAG often ties this verb to acts of worship or devotion in the Greco-Roman world.
- Thayer’s: Defines εὐσεβέω as “to be pious, to show reverence” and relates it specifically to proper conduct toward parents and gods. Thayer’s emphasizes the cultural importance of piety in familial and religious relationships.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὐσεβέω means “to show piety” and connects it to moral obligations in both private and public religious expressions.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a broader cultural context, indicating that εὐσεβέω was commonly used in classical literature to denote “paying due reverence” to deities, elders, and laws.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐσεβέω as “to be pious, to reverence,” with a focus on its application in both sacred and secular settings, noting the relationship between religious acts and societal norms.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 17:23 – “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship [εὐσεβεῖτε], him declare I unto you.”
- 1 Timothy 5:4 – “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety [εὐσεβεῖν] at home and to repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | “Euthyphro” | “And how are we to act piously (εὐσεβεῖν)?” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “They were accustomed to worship (εὐσεβέοντο) the gods in a manner different…” |
| Plutarch | “Moralia” | “To honor parents is to live piously (εὐσεβεῖν) towards them.” |
| Septuagint | “2 Maccabees 12:42” | “They all, therefore, praised the Lord, the righteous Judge, who shows reverence (εὐσεβεῖν).” |
| Septuagint | “3 Maccabees 7:16” | “And they supplicated the Most High with all their heart, showing piety (εὐσεβεῖν)…” |
| Septuagint | “Wisdom of Solomon 13:17” | “For being ashamed to confess the gods that are unseen, they worship (εὐσεβέουσιν) what they can see.” |
Summary of εὐσεβέω (G2151: eusebeō)
The Greek word εὐσεβέω (eusebeō, Strong’s G2151) represents a concept deeply rooted in the ideas of reverence and piety, both in religious and familial contexts. Used to describe acts of devotion and proper behavior toward both gods and parents, εὐσεβέω carries significant theological weight. Its meanings span both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, highlighting its importance in understanding the cultural and religious milieu of early Christianity. This word offers a vivid depiction of how reverence and proper conduct were expected in various aspects of ancient life, enriching our comprehension of biblical texts and ancient Greek culture alike.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word εὐσεβέω was also used in ancient Greek plays and poetry to describe the proper way to honor gods and heroes? This illustrates how deeply ingrained the concept of reverence was in Greek society, affecting everything from personal relationships to political affairs.
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