G2125
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the meanings behind the Scriptures and reveals the cultural and linguistic context of the early Christian era. The Greek word εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) is particularly significant because it denotes a sense of caution or reverent fear, often in the context of religious observance or moral responsibility. Exploring εὐλαβέομαι helps us appreciate the nuances of how early Christians and ancient Greeks understood the importance of carefulness, reverence, and piety in their spiritual and everyday lives.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) [yoo-lah-BEH-oh-my]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning “to take” or “to receive.” Combined, it implies “to take hold well” or “to be cautious.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice, deponent.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- To be cautious
- To act with reverence
- To fear (in a reverent sense)
- To show piety
Similar Words: The word εὐλαβέομαι is closely related to φοβέομαι (phobeomai), which means “to fear.” However, while φοβέομαι can refer to both reverent and terror-inducing fear, εὐλαβέομαι focuses on a fear that results in careful, respectful action. Another related word is σεβομαι (sebomai), meaning “to worship” or “to venerate,” which emphasizes devotion more than the cautious and conscientious aspect conveyed by εὐλαβέομαι.
Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐλαβέομαι is a verb in the middle voice, which often conveys a sense of the subject acting with reference to themselves—indicating self-protection or self-preservation through caution. Being a deponent verb, it appears in a passive or middle form but is translated actively in English.
| Tense | First Person Singular | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Present | εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) | I act with caution or reverence |
| Future | εὐλαβήσομαι (eulabēsomai) | I will act with caution or reverence |
| Imperfect | εὐλαβούμην (eulaboumēn) | I was acting with caution |
| Aorist | εὐλαβήθην (eulabēthēn) | I acted with caution |
| Perfect | – | Not commonly used in this form |
| Pluperfect | – | Not commonly used in this form |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐλαβέομαι as “to be cautious” or “to act with reverence,” particularly in contexts involving potential danger or divine presence. It emphasizes a careful approach in matters of spiritual significance.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐλαβέομαι as “to fear” in a sense that implies reverent and cautious behavior. It is often used to convey a pious attitude towards God or sacred duties.
Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary notes that εὐλαβέομαι conveys “to be careful” or “to act with godly fear.” It is employed in contexts where spiritual prudence or moral conscientiousness is required.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical understanding of εὐλαβέομαι as “to act with caution” or “to show reverence.” It is used in secular Greek literature to denote a guarded approach, whether in relation to the gods or other forms of authority.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines εὐλαβέομαι as “to be circumspect” or “to fear.” It highlights the sense of acting carefully, with an awareness of divine standards or potential danger.
Related Scripture References
- Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear (εὐλαβήθης), prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Laws | “One must always act (εὐλαβέομαι) in matters concerning the gods.” |
| Xenophon | Memorabilia | “The wise person will always (εὐλαβέομαι) when faced with uncertain outcomes.” |
| Philo | On the Virtues | “To lead a virtuous life, one must (εὐλαβέομαι) and consider each step carefully.” |
Septuagint Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs | Proverbs 28:14 | “Blessed is the man who always (εὐλαβέομαι); but whoever hardens his heart will fall into misfortune.” |
| Isaiah | Isaiah 8:13 | “The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to (εὐλαβέομαι).” |
| Sirach | Sirach 4:20 | “Observe the opportunity, and (εὐλαβέομαι) from evil; and be not ashamed when it concerns your soul.” |
Summary of εὐλαβέομαι (G2125: eulabeomai)
The Greek word εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai) is a verb that means “to act with caution,” “to fear (reverently),” or “to be pious.” It combines εὖ (“well”) and λαμβάνω (“to take”), emphasizing a careful approach in spiritual and moral contexts. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide detailed definitions and contexts for the term, illustrating its importance in expressing a thoughtful and reverent response to divine matters. Both in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, εὐλαβέομαι reflects the ancient emphasis on caution, reverence, and prudence in one’s actions.
Did You Know?
Did you know that εὐλαβέομαι, while primarily used in religious contexts, was also applied in secular ancient Greek literature to describe the cautious actions of warriors, politicians, and philosophers? It reflects a mindset of prudence and careful consideration, crucial in both spiritual and everyday decisions!