Understanding ἀσεβέω (asebeo) Strong’s G764: The Biblical Concept of Living in Defiant Ungodliness Against God’s Authority

Pronunciation Guide: ah-seb-EH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G764: ἀσεβέω (asebeo) describes the active and willful practice of ungodliness, specifically referring to conduct that demonstrates contempt or utter disregard for divine law and authority. This verb emphasizes not merely the absence of proper reverence for God but rather an intentional posture of rebellion against His righteous standards. The word conveys the idea of living in a way that deliberately violates and despises sacred obligations toward God.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root: Compound of ἀ- (negative prefix) + σέβω (to worship, revere)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching passages addressing spiritual rebellion
• Literary Genre: Predominantly appears in contexts of warning and judgment

ἀσεβέω Morphology:

• ἀσεβέω (present active indicative) – I act impiously
• ἀσεβοῦσιν (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they act impiously
• ἀσεβεῖν (present active infinitive) – to act impiously
• ἀσεβήσαντες (aorist active participle, nominative plural) – having acted impiously

Origin & History

The concept of ἀσεβέω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally referred to violations of religious duties and sacred obligations. Xenophon, in his “Memorabilia” (1.1.1), uses the term to describe those who showed contempt for the gods through their actions. The word gained particular significance in Athenian law, where ἀσέβεια (the noun form) was a serious legal charge involving impiety against the state gods.

In the Septuagint, ἀσεβέω appears frequently to translate Hebrew terms related to wickedness and rebellion against יהוה (Yahweh), particularly רָשַׁע (rasha). This translation choice emphasizes the active nature of ungodliness as opposed to mere ignorance or passive unbelief. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Rome in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (35:6), employed the term to describe those who deliberately set themselves against God’s established order.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Deliberate violation of divine law and order
• Active practice of ungodliness with full awareness
• Willful contempt for sacred obligations
• Defiant rejection of divine authority

ἀσεβέω Translation Options:

• “To act impiously” – Emphasizes the active nature of the ungodliness
• “To live in ungodly defiance” – Captures the ongoing rebellious attitude
• “To practice wickedness” – Highlights the habitual aspect of the behavior
• “To show contempt for divine authority” – Reflects the intentional nature of the rebellion

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀσεβέω appears in contexts that emphasize deliberate rebellion against God’s established order. Its first appearance in 2 Peter 2:6 sets the tone for its usage, where it describes the behavior that brought judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a warning example for those who would live ungodly lives.

The word carries particular weight in passages addressing divine judgment, emphasizing that such ungodliness is not merely a passive state but an active choice that brings consequences. This understanding is crucial for grasping the severity with which Scripture views deliberate rebellion against God.

Key verses featuring ἀσεβέω include:

• “And if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly [ἀσεβέω] lives” 2 Peter 2:6
• “The ungodly [ἀσεβέω] shall not rise in judgment” Psalm 1:5 (LXX)
• “All the ungodly [ἀσεβέω] of the earth” Psalm 75:8 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, particularly in Jewish culture, the concept of ungodliness (ἀσεβέω) was viewed as more than just personal impiety—it was considered a disruption of the divine order that maintained society. The Hebrew concept of רָשַׁע (rasha), which ἀσεβέω often translates in the Septuagint, carried connotations of active rebellion against the covenant community’s established order.

This understanding was deeply rooted in the Jewish concept of covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). To act ungodly (ἀσεβέω) was not merely to sin but to fundamentally reject one’s place within the covenant community and the divine order it represented. This explains why the term appears frequently in contexts of community judgment and divine retribution.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀσεβέω in Scripture reveals profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with humanity. It demonstrates that God takes active rebellion against His authority seriously, not because He is petty or easily offended, but because such rebellion disrupts the perfect order He established for human flourishing. The term’s usage in judgment contexts reveals God’s righteousness and justice—He cannot and will not ignore deliberate defiance of His holy standards.

Yet, the very existence of warnings against ἀσεβέω in Scripture also reveals God’s mercy. These warnings serve as calls to repentance, demonstrating that even those who have lived in ungodly defiance can find forgiveness and restoration through the Messiah Yeshua. This tension between justice and mercy perfectly illustrates God’s character as both righteous Judge and merciful Savior.

The concept also highlights the personal nature of sin against God. ἀσεβέω isn’t just breaking arbitrary rules—it’s a personal affront to a personal God who seeks relationship with His creation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀσεβέω challenges believers to examine their hearts regarding their response to God’s authority. It reminds us that genuine faith is not merely about believing correct doctrines but about living in willing submission to God’s righteous standards. This word calls us to consider whether our lives demonstrate reverence or rebellion toward God’s authority.

Moreover, this understanding should inspire gratitude for God’s mercy through the Messiah Yeshua, who took upon Himself the judgment our ungodliness deserved. It should motivate us to live lives marked by reverence and submission to God’s authority, not out of fear but out of love and gratitude for His grace.

Related Words

• εὐσεβέω (eusebeo) [yoo-seb-EH-oh] – to act piously or reverently; the positive counterpart to ἀσεβέω, emphasizing active devotion to God See G2151
• ἀσέβεια (asebeia) [ah-SEB-ei-ah] – ungodliness, impiety; the noun form describing the state or condition of being ungodly See G763
• ἀσεβής (asebes) [ah-seb-ACE] – ungodly, impious; the adjective describing one who lives in active rebellion against God See G765
• παρανομέω (paranomeo) [par-an-om-EH-oh] – to transgress the law; similar concept but specifically focused on violation of written law See G3891

Did you Know?

• The charge of ἀσέβεια (the noun form of ἀσεβέω) was used in ancient Athens to prosecute Socrates, highlighting how seriously the ancient world took the concept of impiety against established divine order.
• In modern Greek, ἀσεβής (derived from ἀσεβέω) is still used to describe irreverent or impious behavior, particularly in religious contexts, demonstrating the enduring significance of this concept in Greek culture.
• The Hebrew concept that ἀσεβέω often translates (רָשַׁע – rasha) appears in the Dead Sea Scrolls in the context of the community’s understanding of those who deliberately reject God’s covenant, showing how this concept shaped Jewish sectarian identity.

Remember This

ἀσεβέω represents not merely the absence of godliness but an active, willful defiance of divine authority—a sobering reminder that our response to God’s sovereignty has eternal significance.