Understanding ἀσέβεια (asebeia) Strong’s G763: The Gravity of Ungodliness and Its Opposition to Divine Truth

Pronunciation Guide: ah-SEH-bay-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G763: ἀσέβεια describes a fundamental disposition of irreverence and impiety toward God, manifesting as a willful rejection of His truth and authority. This word encompasses both the internal attitude of contempt for divine things and the external actions that flow from such contempt. It represents the antithesis of genuine worship and proper fear of God.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + σέβεια (from σέβομαι, “to worship, revere”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Doctrinal teaching, ethical instruction, and warnings
• Literary Context: Predominantly appears in epistolary literature and moral discourse

ἀσέβεια Morphology:

• ἀσέβεια (nominative singular) – ungodliness
• ἀσεβείας (genitive singular) – of ungodliness
• ἀσεβείᾳ (dative singular) – in/with ungodliness
• ἀσέβειαν (accusative singular) – ungodliness (as direct object)
• ἀσέβειαι (nominative plural) – ungodlinesses
• ἀσεβειῶν (genitive plural) – of ungodlinesses

Origin & History

The concept of ἀσέβεια has deep roots in classical Greek culture, where it originally denoted improper conduct toward the gods, family, or state. Plato, in his “Republic” (Book X), uses the term to describe those who deny the existence or providence of the gods. Xenophon employs it in his “Memorabilia” to characterize actions that violate divine law.

In the Septuagint, ἀσέβεια translates several Hebrew terms related to wickedness, particularly רֶשַׁע (resha), emphasizing rebellion against divine order. The term gained particular significance in Hellenistic Jewish literature, as seen in the writings of Philo of Alexandria, who uses it to describe those who abandon the worship of the one true God for idolatry.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Protrepticus,” developed the concept further, contrasting ἀσέβεια with εὐσέβεια (godliness) to highlight the stark choice between allegiance to God and rebellion against Him.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Fundamental irreverence toward God manifesting in both attitude and action
• Practical atheism – living as though God doesn’t exist or matter
• Active opposition to divine truth and authority
• Moral perversion stemming from rejection of divine standards

ἀσέβεια Translation Options:

• Ungodliness – Best captures the fundamental opposition to God’s character
• Impiety – Emphasizes the cultic and religious dimension
• Wickedness – Highlights the moral consequences
• Godlessness – Stresses the complete separation from divine influence
• Irreverence – Focuses on the attitudinal aspect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀσέβεια appears most prominently in contexts discussing God’s judgment and the necessity of righteous living. Its first appearance in Romans 1:18 sets the tone, where Paul presents it as attracting divine wrath. The term often appears in connection with moral corruption and false teaching.

The word carries particular weight in the pastoral epistles and 2 Peter, where it describes both false teachers and the corrupt society that embraces their teachings. It represents not merely isolated acts of sin but a fundamental orientation away from God that manifests in various forms of wickedness.

Key verses featuring ἀσέβεια:

• “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness [ἀσέβειαν] and unrighteousness of men” Romans 1:18
• “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness [ἀσέβειαν] and worldly lusts” Titus 2:12
• “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption [ἀσεβείας]” 2 Peter 2:9-12
• “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly [ἀσεβεῖς] among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly [ἀσεβείας] committed” Jude 1:15

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, ἀσέβεια was considered a serious legal charge, often used in accusations of religious and political subversion. Interestingly, early Christians were sometimes charged with ἀσέβεια for refusing to participate in emperor worship and local pagan rituals. This historical context adds depth to the New Testament’s use of the term, as believers were essentially “turning the tables” by identifying true ἀσέβεια as rejection of the one true God.

The Jewish understanding of the term was deeply influenced by the concept of חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם (chillul HaShem) – profaning God’s name. This connection highlights how ἀσέβεια isn’t merely about breaking rules but about dishonoring God’s character and authority in ways that damage His reputation among people.

Theological Significance

ἀσέβεια represents more than mere irreligion; it embodies active opposition to God’s revealed truth and character. It stands as the fundamental sin from which all other transgressions flow. When Paul introduces it in Romans 1:18, he presents it as the root cause of God’s wrath against humanity.

The term’s usage in Scripture reveals that ungodliness is not primarily about external actions but about a heart attitude that refuses to acknowledge God’s rightful place. This helps us understand why God’s judgment of ἀσέβεια is perfectly just – it represents a willful rejection of His authority and goodness.

Most significantly, ἀσέβεια highlights the magnificent grace of God in the Gospel. As Paul declares in Romans 5:6, the Messiah died for the ungodly, demonstrating that God’s love extends even to those who stand in active opposition to Him.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀσέβεια challenges us to examine our hearts for subtle forms of ungodliness that might be present. It’s not enough to maintain external religiosity; true godliness requires a heart that trembles at God’s Word and delights in His authority.

This word also offers hope to those struggling with sin by reminding us that no degree of ungodliness is beyond the reach of God’s grace. If the Messiah died for the ungodly, then our past opposition to God need not define our future. Through repentance and faith, we can move from ἀσέβεια to εὐσέβεια (godliness).

Related Words

• εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) [yoo-SEH-bay-ah] – godliness, piety; the positive counterpart to ἀσέβεια, representing proper reverence and worship toward God. See G2150
• ἀσεβέω (asebeo) [ah-seh-BEH-oh] – to act impiously or live ungodly; the verbal form expressing ungodly behavior. See G764
• ἀσεβής (asebes) [ah-seh-BACE] – ungodly person; the adjective/substantive describing one characterized by ungodliness. See G765
• θεοστυγής (theostuges) [theh-o-stoo-GACE] – God-hater; a stronger term emphasizing active hatred toward God. See G2319

Did you Know?

• In ancient Athens, ἀσέβεια was a formal legal charge that could result in exile or death, as in the famous trial of Socrates who was accused of “not believing in the gods of the state.”
• The concept of ἀσέβεια in Jewish thought was so serious that the Talmud lists it as one of the three sins (along with idolatry and bloodshed) for which a person should rather die than transgress.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀσέβεια today, particularly in Orthodox Christian contexts, maintaining much of its ancient meaning of irreverence toward sacred things.

Remember This

ἀσέβεια represents not merely the absence of godliness, but active opposition to divine truth – a sobering reminder that there is no neutral ground in our relationship with God.