from εὐλαβής; properly, caution, i.e. (religiously) reverence (piety); by implication, dread (concretely):--fear(-ed).
Transliteration:eulábeia
Pronunciation:yoo-lab'-i-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὐλάβεια (eulábeia) `{{G2124}}` is derived from the adjective εὐλαβής (eulabḗs) `{{G2125}}`, which is a compound of εὖ (eu, "well") and λαμβάνω (lambánō, "to take" or "to hold"). This etymological root suggests a primary sense of "well-taking," "careful handling," or "circumspection."
In its secular usage, εὐλάβεια referred to caution, prudence, or carefulness in one's actions, often implying a sense of apprehension or dread regarding potential danger. However, its most significant semantic range in biblical contexts shifts to the religious sphere. Here, εὐλάβεια denotes a profound reverence, piety, or godly fear. It is not a servile or cowering fear, but rather a respectful awe and a cautious approach born out of a deep understanding and appreciation of God's holiness, majesty, and power. By implication, it can also encompass the "dread" or "awe" that such reverence naturally inspires, leading to careful and circumspect conduct in the divine presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εὐλάβεια `{{G2124}}` appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Hebrews, underscoring its theological weight:
* **[[Hebrews 5:7]]**: "Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard because of his eulábeia."
* Here, eulábeia describes the profound reverence and earnest piety that characterized Jesus' prayers to the Father during His earthly ministry. It signifies His utmost respect, humble submission, and deep devotion, demonstrating that even the Son, in His humanity, approached God with perfect awe and carefulness. His prayers were not presumptuous but imbued with a solemn recognition of the Father's sovereignty and power.
* **[[Hebrews 12:28]]**: "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with eulábeia and awe (δέος)."
* This passage exhorts believers to offer worship that is pleasing to God. The pairing of eulábeia with δέος (déos - "awe" or "dread" `{{G1162}}`) emphasizes the solemnity and seriousness required. It calls for worship that is not casual or flippant, but marked by a profound sense of reverence and caution, acknowledging the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom and His consuming holiness. This eulábeia ensures that our approach to God is always appropriate to His divine character.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐλαβής (eulabḗs) `{{G2125}}`**: The adjective from which εὐλάβεια is derived, meaning "cautious," "reverent," or "devout." It is used to describe devout individuals like Simeon ([[Luke 2:25]]) and those who buried Stephen ([[Acts 8:2]]).
* **φοβέω (phobeō) `{{G5399}}` / φόβος (phóbos) `{{G5401}}`**: "To fear" / "fear." While phóbos can denote terror, it frequently carries the sense of "reverential fear" or "awe" in theological contexts (e.g., "the fear of the Lord"). εὐλάβεια is a more nuanced term, often emphasizing the carefulness and circumspection that springs from such reverence, rather than just the emotion of fear itself. It describes the *attitude* or *disposition* that results from a proper fear of God.
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) `{{G2150}}`**: "Piety," "godliness." This is a broader term encompassing the entirety of one's pious conduct and devotion. εὐλάβεια can be seen as a specific, profound aspect or quality within εὐσέβεια, focusing on the careful, reverent attitude in the presence of the divine.
* **σέβασμα (sebasma) `{{G4574}}` / σέβω (sebō) `{{G4576}}`**: "Object of worship" / "to worship, reverence." These terms focus more on the act or object of worship, whereas εὐλάβεια primarily describes the internal disposition or attitude *during* worship or in one's overall approach to the divine.
### Theological Significance
The concept of εὐλάβεια is profoundly significant for understanding the proper human posture before God:
* **Righteous Response to Divine Holiness**: εὐλάβεια encapsulates the appropriate human response to the transcendent holiness, majesty, and power of God. It acknowledges His infinite otherness and calls for a humble, cautious, and respectful approach.
* **Foundation for Acceptable Worship**: As highlighted in [[Hebrews 12:28]], εὐλάβεια is not merely an emotion but a necessary disposition for offering worship that is pleasing and acceptable to God. It ensures that worship is not casual, but marked by genuine reverence, solemnity, and a serious understanding of the one being worshipped.
* **Christ's Perfect Example**: The application of εὐλάβεια to Christ in [[Hebrews 5:7]] is deeply instructive. It demonstrates that perfect reverence and submission to the Father are not signs of weakness but virtues exemplified even by the Son of God. This elevates εὐλάβεια beyond a mere human sentiment to a divine quality of perfect obedience and trust.
* **Motivation for Obedience**: The "dread" or "awe" inherent in εὐλάβεια is not a paralyzing terror but a healthy apprehension of God's justice and power. This motivates careful adherence to His commands, a desire to please Him, and a life lived with circumspection and consideration of His will.
* **Contrast with Presumption**: εὐλάβεια stands in stark opposition to presumption, irreverence, or a casual attitude towards sacred things. It calls for a sober, thoughtful, and humble engagement with divine truth and presence.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐλάβεια (eulábeia) `{{G2124}}` denotes a profound reverence, piety, and carefulness in one's approach to the divine. Rooted in the idea of "caution" or "well-taking," it describes a disposition of respectful awe that is far removed from servile fear. In the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, εὐλάβεια is presented as a crucial characteristic of acceptable worship and a quality perfectly embodied by Christ Himself. It signifies a humble, serious, and circumspect posture before God, born out of a deep recognition of His holiness and majesty. This reverential fear motivates believers to offer worship that is pleasing to God and to live a life marked by careful obedience and profound respect for His divine will.
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