from εὐσεβής; to be pious, i.e. (towards God) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support):--show piety, worship.
Transliteration:eusebéō
Pronunciation:yoo-seb-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὐσεβέω (eusebéō, `{{G2151}}`) is derived from εὐσεβής (eusebēs, `{{G2152}}`), which itself is a compound of εὖ (eu, "well, good") and σέβομαι (sebomai, `{{G4576}}`, "to reverence, worship"). Thus, the core meaning of εὐσεβέω is "to act piously," "to demonstrate reverence," or "to worship rightly." Its semantic range extends to two primary applications as seen in the New Testament:
1. **Towards God:** To engage in acts of worship or devotion, expressing reverence for the divine. This implies not just an internal feeling but an outward, active demonstration of piety.
2. **Towards Parents/Elders:** To show respect, honor, and practical care, particularly in the context of familial duty and support. This highlights a form of "filial piety" that is concrete and demonstrable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὐσεβέω appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance provides significant insight into its meaning:
* **[[Acts 17:23]]**: "For as I passed through and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship (εὐσεβεῖτε) in ignorance, this I proclaim to you." Here, Paul uses the term εὐσεβεῖτε to describe the Athenians' religious practices. It refers to their acts of worship and reverence, even though directed towards an unknown or misidentified deity. Paul acknowledges their inherent human impulse to worship (εὐσεβέω), using it as a bridge to introduce them to the true God. This usage highlights the act of worship itself, regardless of its object, before Paul clarifies the proper object of worship.
* **[[1 Timothy 5:4]]**: "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety (εὐσεβεῖν) towards their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God." In this pastoral instruction, εὐσεβεῖν is applied to the practical duty of children and grandchildren caring for their widowed elders. It signifies active respect, support, and provision, demonstrating a tangible form of "piety" within the family unit. This command underscores that true godliness (εὐσέβεια, `{{G2150}}`) is not merely theoretical but is lived out in concrete acts of love and responsibility within one's immediate sphere of influence. It is presented as an action that is "acceptable in the sight of God."
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of εὐσεβέω is greatly enriched by examining its cognates and related concepts:
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2150}}`):** This is the noun form, meaning "piety," "godliness," or "reverence." While εὐσέβεια denotes the *quality* or *state* of being godly, εὐσεβέω describes the *action* of demonstrating this quality. The verb is the active expression of the noun.
* **εὐσεβής (eusebēs, `{{G2152}}`):** The adjective meaning "pious," "devout," or "godly." It describes a person who possesses εὐσέβεια and, by extension, acts in accordance with εὐσεβέω.
* **θεοσέβεια (theosebeia, `{{G2316}}`):** A more specific term, literally "God-reverence" or "godliness," emphasizing the direct object of reverence as God.
* **σέβομαι (sebomai, `{{G4576}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to worship," "to reverence." εὐσεβέω intensifies this by adding the prefix εὖ, implying "well" or "rightly" reverencing.
* **Concepts:** Duty, reverence, worship, honor, practical love, family responsibility, ethical conduct, and the active expression of faith.
### Theological Significance
The dual application of εὐσεβέω reveals a profound theological insight into the nature of true piety.
* **Holistic Piety:** The New Testament's use of εὐσεβέω indicates that genuine godliness is not compartmentalized. It encompasses both vertical devotion to God (worship) and horizontal ethical responsibility towards fellow human beings, particularly within the family. This challenges any notion of piety that is purely ritualistic or detached from practical living.
* **Authentic Faith Demonstrated:** In [[1 Timothy 5:4]], εὐσεβέω serves as a tangible metric for authentic faith. Caring for one's parents is not merely a social obligation but an act of piety that is "acceptable in the sight of God." This underscores that true faith is active, expressed through concrete deeds of love, responsibility, and honor, especially towards those to whom one has natural obligations. It highlights that familial duty is part of a godly life.
* **Evangelistic Bridge and Discernment:** Paul's use of εὐσεβέω in [[Acts 17:23]] demonstrates a missional strategy. By acknowledging the Athenians' inherent impulse to worship, even if misdirected, Paul affirms their human search for the divine. This allows him to commend their zeal while simultaneously correcting the object of their worship, revealing the true God. It teaches that the *act* of worship is a fundamental human drive, but its *object* must be rightly discerned according to divine revelation.
### Summary
εὐσεβέω (eusebéō, `{{G2151}}`) is a significant Greek verb that denotes the active demonstration of piety or reverence. Derived from the concept of "well-revering," its New Testament usage highlights two crucial facets of godliness: the worship of God ([[Acts 17:23]]) and the practical respect and support shown to parents and family ([[1 Timothy 5:4]]). This dual application underscores that true piety (εὐσέβεια, `{{G2150}}`) is a holistic virtue, encompassing both devout worship of the divine and ethical, loving conduct within human relationships. It emphasizes that authentic faith is not merely an internal state but is visibly expressed through concrete actions of honor, care, and responsibility, making it acceptable in God's sight.
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