from εὐσεβής; piety; specially, the gospel scheme:--godliness, holiness.
Transliteration:eusébeia
Pronunciation:yoo-seb'-i-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὐσέβεια (transliterated as *eusébeia*, `{{G2150}}`) is a compound word derived from the prefix *eu-* (meaning "well" or "good") and the verb *sebomai* (`{{G4576}}`, meaning "to worship" or "to revere"). Thus, its fundamental meaning is "well-worship," "right reverence," or "proper devotion." It signifies an attitude and practice of profound respect and devotion towards God, which naturally manifests in a life lived in accordance with His will and commands. The base definition provided—"piety; specially, the gospel scheme:--godliness, holiness"—accurately captures its essence. It is not merely an outward show of religiosity but an internal disposition of reverence that shapes one's entire conduct. The nuance "specially, the gospel scheme" is critical, indicating that in the New Testament context, true godliness is intrinsically linked to the revelation of God in Christ and the redemptive truth of the gospel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐσέβεια (`{{G2150}}`) appears predominantly in the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) and 2 Peter, highlighting its importance in the instruction for Christian living and church leadership.
* **1 Timothy 2:2**: Paul encourages prayer for rulers "so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." Here, godliness is presented as a characteristic of a peaceful and honorable Christian existence within society.
* **1 Timothy 3:16**: This is perhaps the most profound theological statement involving *eusébeia*: "Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory." This verse explicitly links the "mystery of godliness" to the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, making it Christ-centric. True godliness is understood in light of the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Son of God.
* **1 Timothy 4:7-8**: Paul exhorts Timothy to "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." This passage underscores *eusébeia* as a spiritual discipline with eternal value, far surpassing temporary physical pursuits.
* **1 Timothy 6:3, 5-6, 11**: Here, *eusébeia* is contrasted with false teaching and greed. Sound doctrine is "according to godliness" ([[1 Timothy 6:3]]), and true godliness is accompanied by contentment, not seen as a means for material gain ([[1 Timothy 6:5-6]]). Believers are exhorted to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness" ([[1 Timothy 6:11]]), positioning it as a core virtue.
* **2 Timothy 3:5**: Paul warns of those who will have "a form of godliness, although they have denied its power." This highlights the danger of hypocrisy, where outward religious observance lacks genuine spiritual vitality and transformative power.
* **Titus 1:1**: Paul introduces himself as an apostle "for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness." This indicates that true knowledge of God's truth leads to and is characterized by godliness.
* **2 Peter 1:3, 6-7**: Peter states that God's "divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" ([[2 Peter 1:3]]). This emphasizes that godliness is a divine gift, enabled by knowing God. It is also listed as a crucial step in the progression of Christian virtues, following perseverance and preceding brotherly kindness ([[2 Peter 1:6-7]]).
* **2 Peter 3:11**: In light of the coming judgment and new heavens and new earth, Peter asks, "what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" This connects *eusébeia* to eschatological hope and the call to live a life worthy of Christ's return.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2152}}` εὐσεβής (*eusebēs*):** The adjective form, meaning "pious" or "godly." It describes a person who possesses *eusébeia*.
* **`{{G2153}}` εὐσεβέω (*eusebeō*):** The verb form, meaning "to act piously" or "to show reverence."
* **`{{G4576}}` σέβομαι (*sebomai*):** The root verb from which *eusébeia* is derived, meaning "to worship" or "to revere." This highlights the core act of devotion.
* **`{{G37}}` ἅγιος (*hagios*):** "Holy" or "sacred." While *eusébeia* emphasizes the reverent attitude and practice towards God, *hagios* often focuses on separation unto God and moral purity. Godliness is a pathway to holiness.
* **`{{G1343}}` δικαιοσύνη (*dikaiosynē*):** "Righteousness." Frequently paired with *eusébeia* (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:11]]), indicating that godliness finds its expression in righteous and upright conduct.
* **`{{G4102}}` πίστις (*pistis*):** "Faith." Godliness is the practical outworking and fruit of genuine faith in Christ.
* **`{{G2665}}` εὐλάβεια (*eulabeia*):** "Reverence," "awe," "caution." While similar, *eulabeia* often conveys a sense of cautious fear or circumspection in the presence of the divine, whereas *eusébeia* more broadly encompasses the active, well-ordered practice of devotion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *eusébeia* is profound and multifaceted.
1. **Christocentric Foundation:** The declaration in [[1 Timothy 3:16]] is foundational: the "mystery of godliness" is not an abstract concept or human endeavor, but the historical and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. True godliness, therefore, is not a generic piety but a life shaped by and lived in response to the revelation of God in His Son. It is knowing God *through* Christ.
2. **Holistic Practicality:** *Eusébeia* transcends mere ritual or intellectual assent; it is intensely practical, manifesting in daily conduct, moral integrity, and right relationships. It is a life lived in conscious awareness of God's presence and will, influencing every sphere of existence ([[1 Timothy 2:2]], [[2 Peter 1:6-7]]).
3. **Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy:** The warning against those with "a form of godliness" but who have "denied its power" ([[2 Timothy 3:5]]) underscores the critical distinction between genuine, internal transformation and superficial religious observance. True godliness is characterized by spiritual power and produces real change.
4. **Divine Enablement and Human Pursuit:** While *eusébeia* is a virtue to be actively pursued and disciplined for ([[1 Timothy 4:7]], [[1 Timothy 6:11]]), it is simultaneously presented as a divine gift, granted by God's power through the knowledge of Him ([[2 Peter 1:3]]). This highlights the synergistic nature of the Christian life: God empowers, and humanity responds in obedience and effort.
5. **Telos of Sound Doctrine:** *Eusébeia* is presented as the ultimate aim and fruit of sound doctrine ([[1 Timothy 6:3]], [[Titus 1:1]]). The purpose of theological truth is not merely intellectual understanding but transformation into a life that rightly honors and reflects God.
### Summary
εὐσέβεια (`{{G2150}}`), transliterated as *eusébeia*, denotes a deep and active reverence towards God, translating into a life of consistent piety and righteous conduct. It is more than outward religious observance; it is an internal disposition of devotion that permeates one's entire being. The New Testament, especially the Pastoral Epistles and 2 Peter, emphasizes that this "godliness" is intrinsically linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ, as revealed in the "mystery of godliness" ([[1 Timothy 3:16]]). It is presented as a practical virtue to be diligently pursued ([[1 Timothy 4:7]], [[1 Timothy 6:11]]), distinguishing genuine faith from mere outward show ([[2 Timothy 3:5]]). Furthermore, *eusébeia* is understood as a divine gift, enabled by God's power through the true knowledge of Him ([[2 Peter 1:3]]), and it serves as the ultimate goal and expression of sound Christian doctrine ([[1 Timothy 6:3]], [[Titus 1:1]]). Ultimately, *eusébeia* encapsulates the holistic Christian walk: a life lived in profound respect for God, reflecting His character and will in every aspect.
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