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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for grasping the deeper meanings and contexts of the scriptures. The Greek word εὐσεβής (eusebēs, Strong’s G2152) is particularly significant as it encompasses the concept of godliness and piety. Its usage in the New Testament and ancient Greek literature provides valuable insights into how early Christians and the broader Greco-Roman world viewed a life of reverence and devotion.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐσεβής (eusebēs) [yoo-seb-AYS]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “well” or “good”) and σέβω (sebō, meaning “to revere” or “worship”).
- Part of Speech: Adjective. First and second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Devout, pious, or godly: Refers to someone who exhibits reverence and devotion, especially in a religious context.
- Reverent or dutiful: Denotes a disposition of respect toward the divine or toward parents and elders.
Similar Words: ὅσιος (hosios) [HO-see-os] is another Greek word often translated as “holy” or “pious,” but it emphasizes the sacredness or purity of something rather than the active demonstration of reverence like εὐσεβής (eusebēs).
Further Insights: The word εὐσεβής is an adjective that modifies nouns, describing those who are devout or godly. This adjective, being part of the first and second declension, agrees with nouns in gender, number, and case. Below is the full declension table for εὐσεβής:
| Case | Masculine/Feminine Singular | Neuter Singular | Masculine/Feminine Plural | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὐσεβής | εὐσεβές | εὐσεβεῖς | εὐσεβῆ |
| Genitive | εὐσεβοῦς | εὐσεβοῦς | εὐσεβῶν | εὐσεβῶν |
| Dative | εὐσεβεῖ | εὐσεβεῖ | εὐσεβέσι(ν) | εὐσεβέσι(ν) |
| Accusative | εὐσεβῆ | εὐσεβές | εὐσεβεῖς | εὐσεβῆ |
| Vocative | εὐσεβές | εὐσεβές | εὐσεβεῖς | εὐσεβῆ |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: εὐσεβής is defined as “devout, pious” and refers to someone who is deeply religious, particularly in the context of Jewish and early Christian communities where piety was both a social and spiritual value.
- Thayer’s: This lexicon describes εὐσεβής as “pious, godly” and emphasizes its use in describing individuals who are devoted to the worship of God. Thayer’s also notes its cultural significance in expressing a moral and spiritual commitment.
- Vine’s: εὐσεβής is discussed as indicating “godly” or “pious,” often describing a person whose life reflects a deep respect for the divine laws and commandments.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon shows that εὐσεβής was commonly used in classical literature to mean “reverent” or “dutiful,” particularly toward the gods or one’s elders, underscoring the importance of reverence in Greek society.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines εὐσεβής simply as “pious,” focusing on its application in both sacred and secular contexts, emphasizing the virtuous character it denotes.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 10:2 – “A devout man [εὐσεβὴς], and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.”
- 2 Peter 2:9 – “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly [εὐσεβεῖς] out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”
- 1 Timothy 2:2 – “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness [εὐσεβεία] and honesty.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | “Laws” | “The devout (εὐσεβεῖς) live according to the divine law.” |
| Xenophon | “Memorabilia” | “Socrates was known as a godly (εὐσεβής) man who respected the gods.” |
| Aristotle | “Politics” | “A city must be led by pious (εὐσεβεῖς) and just leaders.” |
| Septuagint | “Wisdom of Solomon 12:19” | “You have taught your people by such deeds that the godly (εὐσεβεῖς) must be kind.” |
| Septuagint | “4 Maccabees 15:24” | “The godly (εὐσεβεῖς) are rewarded for their endurance in suffering.” |
| Septuagint | “Psalm 32:6 (LXX)” | “Let all the godly (εὐσεβεῖς) pray to you while you may be found.” |
Summary of εὐσεβής (G2152: eusebēs)
The Greek word εὐσεβής (eusebēs, Strong’s G2152) is an adjective that conveys the concept of piety, godliness, and reverence. It describes individuals who are devout in their faith and actions, emphasizing both spiritual and social duties. This term is valuable in biblical studies because it illuminates how early Christians were expected to live out their faith. In classical Greek literature, it is similarly used to denote a person who shows proper respect and devotion, whether toward gods, elders, or laws. Its rich connotations help us understand the cultural and spiritual landscape of the ancient world.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word εὐσεβής was also used in Greco-Roman inscriptions to describe emperors who were seen as both politically and religiously devout? This usage illustrates how intertwined piety and leadership were in the ancient world, where being a “godly” ruler was seen as both a civic and divine virtue.
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