### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eulábeia**, represented by `{{G2124}}`, describes a specific kind of fear rooted in caution and piety. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term’s base definition is "properly, caution, i.e. (religiously) reverence (piety); by implication, dread (concretely):--fear(-ed)." This indicates a nuanced concept that encompasses both reverential awe and a cautious dread before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2124}}` is used exclusively in the book of Hebrews to define a proper disposition toward God. In [[Hebrews 5:7]], it describes Christ, who, during his life, offered up prayers and supplications and "was heard in that he **feared**". This links his piety directly to being heard by the Father. Later, in [[Hebrews 12:28]], believers are instructed to serve God acceptably with "reverence and godly **fear**", connecting this same attitude to acceptable worship within the unshakable kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning of `{{G2124}}` by appearing in the same context:
* `{{G127}}` **aidṓs** (awe): Paired directly with `{{G2124}}` in [[Hebrews 12:28]] as **reverence**, this term emphasizes a sense of awe or modesty toward God, reinforcing the concept of a respectful fear as part of acceptable service.
* `{{G1162}}` **déēsis** (a petition): This word for **prayer** is found in [[Hebrews 5:7]], describing the very act that was characterized by Christ's `{{G2124}}`. This highlights that godly fear is an integral component of effective prayer.
* `{{G1522}}` **eisakoúō** (to listen to): This verb, translated as "was **heard**" in [[Hebrews 5:7]], is the direct result of Christ's godly fear. It establishes a clear connection between possessing an attitude of `{{G2124}}` and having one's prayers answered by God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2124}}` is centered on the nature of true worship and relationship with God.
* **Christ's Perfect Piety:** The word is first used to describe Christ's own disposition. His reverent fear was the reason he "was **heard**," establishing it as the perfect model for approaching God [[Hebrews 5:7]].
* **The Believer's Mandate:** Believers are explicitly commanded to adopt this attitude. Serving God acceptably requires having both **reverence** `{{G127}}` and "godly **fear**" `{{G2124}}`, especially in light of receiving an unmovable kingdom [[Hebrews 12:28]].
* **Fear as Reverence:** The term clarifies that the "fear" required of believers is not terror, but a "piety" and "reverence" born of caution and awe. It is a productive fear that leads to being heard by God and offering Him acceptable service.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2124}}` is a focused but powerful term that defines the correct disposition for interacting with God. Though used only twice, it encapsulates the essence of "godly **fear**"—a mix of caution, reverence, and piety. It is first exemplified in Christ, whose fear resulted in his prayers being heard, and then commanded to all believers as a necessary component of acceptable worship. The word shows that true fear of God is not a paralyzing dread, but a foundational aspect of a reverent and effective relationship with Him.
TRV