Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it allows us to grasp the full depth and nuance of Scripture. The Greek word εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) is particularly significant because it encompasses the concept of godliness, piety, or reverence, which is central to the ethical and spiritual teachings of the New Testament. The word offers a lens through which we can understand the ancient Greek cultural context of devotion, worship, and moral conduct. Interpreting εὐσέβεια correctly provides insights into how early Christians were instructed to live out their faith in a world full of diverse religious practices and moral codes.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) [yoo-SEH-bay-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from the root words εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and σέβω (sebō), meaning “to revere” or “to worship.” The compound conveys the idea of proper reverence or piety.
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine gender, first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Godliness
• Piety
• Reverence
• Devotion
• Respect for God or religion

Similar Words: The word εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) is related to other Greek terms like θρησκεία (thrēskeia), which also refers to religious worship or outward expression of devotion. While εὐσέβεια emphasizes an inward attitude of piety and reverence towards God, θρησκεία focuses more on the external practices and rituals of religion. Another related word is ὁσιότης (hosiotēs), which can mean “holiness” or “righteousness,” but often conveys moral purity rather than reverent piety.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐσέβεια is a feminine noun in the first declension, which influences how it behaves in Greek sentences, particularly regarding agreement with articles, adjectives, and verbs. Below is a table showing the full declension of εὐσέβεια:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines εὐσέβεια as “godliness, piety, devotion.” It emphasizes that the term describes a manner of life characterized by reverence toward God and moral conduct in accordance with divine standards.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon explains εὐσέβεια as “reverence, respect, piety towards God.” The lexicon highlights its use in both religious and ethical contexts, showing how the term implies both belief and practice.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary notes that εὐσέβεια refers to “godliness” or “piety,” especially in the New Testament, where it represents the reverent attitude of believers toward God, extending to the behavior that springs from such devotion.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon describes εὐσέβεια as “reverence, piety, godliness.” It notes its frequent use in classical Greek to depict religious or moral devotion, often in relation to civic duty and personal conduct.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines εὐσέβεια as “piety; specifically, the gospel scheme.” It emphasizes the word’s New Testament usage, where it is often translated as “godliness” and conveys the idea of a life fully devoted to God.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Timothy 4:8: “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness (εὐσέβεια) is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
• 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (εὐσέβεια), through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
• 1 Timothy 6:6: “But godliness (εὐσέβεια) with contentment is great gain.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐσέβεια (G2150: eusebeia)

The Greek word εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) is a noun meaning “godliness,” “piety,” or “reverence.” It is derived from εὖ (“good” or “well”) and σέβω (“to revere” or “to worship”), and conveys the idea of proper respect and devotion toward God. In the New Testament, εὐσέβεια is a key term in describing the ethical and spiritual conduct expected of believers, often juxtaposed with secular or immoral behaviors. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into the use of this term, emphasizing both its religious and ethical implications. The term is also found in classical literature, where it conveys the importance of reverence not only toward the divine but also in fulfilling civic and moral duties. In the Septuagint, εὐσέβεια is used to describe the attitude and actions of those who live in alignment with God’s will, underscoring its foundational role in both Jewish and early Christian ethics.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) wasn’t limited to religious contexts? It was also used to describe the ideal behavior of citizens towards their city, family, and society. It embodies not just personal piety but a holistic approach to life that includes respect, duty, and moral integrity in all areas. This makes εὐσέβεια an all-encompassing term for a well-lived life!