Brief Overview of σεβαστός (Strong’s G4575: sebastos)

Strong’s G4575: From σέβας (reverence), σεβαστός literally means “worthy of reverence.” In Roman imperial context, it became the Greek translation of the Latin “Augustus,” a title of supreme honor for Roman emperors, signifying divine veneration and imperial majesty.

U- Unveiling the Word

σεβαστός carries profound significance in both religious and political spheres of the first-century world. Originally meaning “reverend” or “august,” it became the official Greek translation of the Latin title “Augustus” for Roman emperors. Its use in Acts 25:21 reflects the complex relationship between early Christianity and Roman imperial authority. The term embodies the tension early Christians faced between honoring earthly authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ as Lord. This word reminds us today of the delicate balance between respecting civil authority and maintaining faithful witness to Jesus’ supreme lordship.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σεβαστός, sebastos, seh-bas-TOS
• Detailed pronunciation: σεβαστός is pronounced with stress on the final syllable: ‘seh’ as in set, ‘bas’ as in bass, ‘tos’ as in toast
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• σεβ- (seb-): Root meaning “to worship, revere”
• -αστ- (-ast-): Verbal adjective formation
• -ός (-os): Masculine singular ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Venerable, august, worthy of reverence
• Imperial, belonging to the emperor
• Sacred, holy (in political-religious context)

For compound words:
The morphological components work together:

• σεβ- provides the core concept of reverence
• -αστ- transforms it into a quality that can be attributed
• -ός makes it an adjective describing something worthy of reverence

Translation Options:

• “Augustus” – When referring specifically to imperial title
• “Venerable” – When emphasizing respect and honor
• “Imperial” – When referring to imperial authority

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σέβασμα (sebasma, SEH-bas-ma) – object of worship See G4574
• σέβω (sebo, SEH-bo) – to worship See G4576
• σεβάζομαι (sebazomai, seh-BAD-zo-my) – to be in awe See G4573

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: All cases possible (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 1st/2nd

Examples:
Masculine: σεβαστός (nom), σεβαστοῦ (gen)
Feminine: σεβαστή (nom), σεβαστῆς (gen)
Neuter: σεβαστόν (nom/acc), σεβαστοῦ (gen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σεβαστός as the Greek equivalent of “Augustus,” highlighting its imperial significance. Thayer’s notes its evolution from general reverence to specific imperial title. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its development from religious reverence to political authority. Vine’s connects it to divine worship vocabulary, while Strong’s emphasizes its root meaning of veneration. Moulton-Milligan documents its frequent occurrence in imperial inscriptions and papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.” Acts 25:21

Additional References:
Acts 25:25, Acts 27:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σεβαστός represents the intersection of political power and divine reverence in the ancient world. While used as an imperial title, it reminds us that true reverence belongs to God alone. The early Christians’ navigation of imperial authority while maintaining their primary allegiance to Christ provides a model for believers today. It points to Jesus as the true Lord, worthy of all reverence and honor, above every earthly authority.

D – Did You Know?

1. σεβαστός was chosen as the Greek translation for “Augustus” because it carried similar connotations of religious awe and majesty.
2. The term influenced the naming of several cities, including Sebaste (Samaria) and Sebastopolis.
3. Early Christian writers deliberately avoided using σεβαστός for religious figures other than Roman emperors to prevent confusion with imperial cult worship.

Strong’s G4575: From σέβας (reverence), σεβαστός literally means “worthy of reverence.” In Roman imperial context, it became the Greek translation of the Latin “Augustus,” a title of supreme honor for Roman emperors, signifying divine veneration and imperial majesty.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: Augustus, emperor, imperial title, reverence, Roman Empire, political authority, divine honor, Acts of the Apostles, Paul’s trial, early church, biblical Greek, imperial cult​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​