Strong’s G4576: A primary verb meaning “to worship” or “to revere,” σέβω expresses deep religious devotion and reverence. In biblical usage, it particularly denotes the act of worship, whether directed toward the true God or false deities, often emphasizing the external manifestation of religious devotion.

U- Unveiling the Word

σέβω represents the fundamental human act of worship and reverence. Its usage in the New Testament often appears in contexts discussing authentic versus inauthentic worship, as seen in Matthew 15:9 where Jesus quotes Isaiah’s critique of empty religious observance. The word carries both religious and ethical implications, describing not just ritual acts but a lifestyle of reverence. In early church usage, it became particularly significant in discussions about true worship of God versus emperor worship and pagan practices. Today, it challenges us to examine whether our worship is merely external or flows from genuine heart devotion to God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σέβω, sebo, SEH-bo
• Detailed pronunciation: σέβω is pronounced with stress on first syllable: ‘SEH’ as in set, ‘bo’ as in boat
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σέβ- (seb-): Primary root meaning “to worship, revere”
• -ω (-ō): Primary verb ending indicating first person singular present active indicative

D – Defining Meanings

• To worship with reverence
• To show religious awe
• To pay homage or devotion

For compound words:
Not applicable as σέβω is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To worship” – Emphasizes the religious action
• “To revere” – Highlights the attitude of respect
• “To venerate” – Captures both religious and ethical aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θρησκεύω (thrēskeuō, thray-SKYOO-oh) – to perform religious rites See G2357
• λατρεύω (latreuō, la-TREW-oh) – to serve, worship See G3000
• προσκυνέω (proskuneō, pros-koo-NEH-oh) – to bow down, worship See G4352

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Example conjugations:
Present Active: σέβω (I worship), σέβεις (you worship), σέβει (he/she/it worships)
Middle: σέβομαι (I worship for myself)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σέβω’s focus on religious devotion and its frequent middle voice usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to fear-based reverence. LSJ traces its development from fear to worship. Vine’s distinguishes it from other worship terms by its emphasis on the attitude of reverence. Strong’s connects it to awe-inspired worship. Moulton-Milligan documents its prevalent use in religious contexts across papyri and inscriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9

Additional References:
Mark 7:7, Acts 13:43, Acts 13:50, Acts 16:14, Acts 17:4, Acts 17:17, Acts 18:7, Acts 18:13, Acts 19:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σέβω captures the essence of worship as both an internal attitude and external expression. Jesus’ use of the term in critiquing empty worship reminds us that true worship must flow from a heart transformed by the gospel. The word points us to Christ, who alone is worthy of our deepest reverence and whole-life devotion, calling us to worship in spirit and truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. σέβω often appears in the middle voice (σέβομαι), suggesting personal involvement in the act of worship.
2. The term was adopted by early Christians to describe God-fearers – Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel without full conversion.
3. Its derivatives influenced modern terms like “sebacoiophobia” (fear of religious worship).

Strong’s G4576: A primary verb meaning “to worship” or “to revere,” σέβω expresses deep religious devotion and reverence. In biblical usage, it particularly denotes the act of worship, whether directed toward the true God or false deities, often emphasizing the external manifestation of religious devotion.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: worship, reverence, devotion, religious practice, true worship, God-fearers, early church, religious devotion, biblical Greek, worship vocabulary, spiritual practice, religious terminology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​