from εὖ and σέβομαι; well-reverent, i.e. pious:--devout, godly.
Transliteration:eusebḗs
Pronunciation:yoo-seb-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective eusebḗs (`{{G2152}}`) is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and σέβομαι (sebomai), meaning "to worship," "to revere," or "to feel awe." Thus, at its core, eusebḗs signifies "well-reverent" or "rightly worshipping." It describes an individual whose reverence towards God is proper, sincere, and expressed in a manner pleasing to Him. Unlike mere outward religious observance, eusebḗs implies an inner disposition of piety and devotion that manifests in a life lived in accordance with divine will. Its semantic range encompasses notions of being "devout," "godly," "pious," and "reverent," reflecting not just belief, but a lifestyle shaped by that belief. This word points to a practical godliness, where one's conduct aligns with their confession of faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term eusebḗs (`{{G2152}}`) appears sparingly in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are highly significant, primarily illuminating the character of those who genuinely fear God.
One prominent example is found in the account of Cornelius in the book of Acts. He is described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household; and he gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually" [[Acts 10:2]]. The same description is reiterated by the men sent by Cornelius: "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, well-spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews" [[Acts 10:7]]. Here, eusebḗs characterizes Cornelius's holistic piety, which encompasses not only an internal reverence for God but also tangible expressions of faith through prayer, almsgiving, and the spiritual leadership of his household. His godliness is not theoretical but practical and observable, setting the stage for the groundbreaking inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community. His eusebḗs disposition made him receptive to divine revelation and a candidate for salvation.
A second crucial occurrence is in 2 Peter: "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly [eusebḗs] from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment" [[2 Peter 2:9]]. In this context, eusebḗs serves as a clear contrast to the "unrighteous" (ἀδίκους, adikous). It highlights the Lord's discriminating power, His ability to discern between those who genuinely live in reverence and those who do not. The "godly" are those who, by their very nature of piety, are recipients of divine protection and deliverance from the trials and temptations that ensnare the ungodly. This verse underscores that eusebḗs is a defining characteristic of those who belong to God and are under His providential care, especially in times of testing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of eusebḗs (`{{G2152}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic family and theological neighbors.
* **Cognates:**
* Eusebeia (`{{G2150}}`): This is the noun form, meaning "godliness" or "piety." It refers to the quality or state of being eusebḗs. This term is far more frequent in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Peter 1:3, 6-7), often referring to the practical demonstration of devotion to God.
* Eusebeō (`{{G2151}}`): This is the verb form, meaning "to show piety" or "to act piously." It denotes the active expression of reverence, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:4, where children are exhorted to "show piety to their own family."
These three words form a cohesive semantic field, describing the character (eusebḗs), the quality (eusebeia), and the action (eusebeō) of true devotion to God.
* **Antonyms:**
* Asebēs (`{{G765}}`): The direct opposite, meaning "ungodly" or "impious," lacking reverence for God.
* Asebeia (`{{G763}}`): The noun form, meaning "ungodliness" or "impiety."
The contrast with these terms in passages like 2 Peter 2:9 sharply defines eusebḗs as a positive attribute rooted in a right relationship with God.
* **Broader Concepts:**
* **Fear of God (Phobos Theou):** This concept is closely related, as seen in the description of Cornelius [[Acts 10:2]]. True eusebḗs often stems from a reverential fear of the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness.
* **Righteousness (Dikaiosynē):** Eusebḗs individuals are often described as righteous, as their piety leads to upright conduct.
* **Holiness (Hagiasmos/Hagiosynē):** While distinct, eusebḗs contributes to and is a manifestation of a life set apart for God.
* **Faith (Pistis):** Eusebḗs is the outward expression and practical outworking of genuine faith. It is not merely intellectual assent but a life transformed by belief.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of eusebḗs (`{{G2152}}`) is profound, pointing to a central aspect of the Christian life: genuine godliness. It is not merely about religious ritual or outward conformity, but a deep, internal reverence for God that shapes one's entire being and conduct.
First, eusebḗs underscores the holistic nature of true piety. It encompasses both inner devotion (right attitude towards God) and outward manifestation (right actions towards God and humanity). The example of Cornelius demonstrates that eusebḗs is evidenced by prayer, almsgiving, and the spiritual ordering of one's household, illustrating that true godliness is lived out in daily life.
Second, eusebḗs is presented as a characteristic that distinguishes believers from the ungodly. It is a mark of those who are truly known by God and are recipients of His divine care and protection. In a world characterized by ungodliness, the eusebḗs stand out as those upon whom God's favor rests, particularly in times of trial and judgment, as highlighted in 2 Peter 2:9.
Third, while the term itself does not explicitly state the source of this godliness, the broader New Testament context implies that true eusebḗs is not self-generated but is enabled by the Holy Spirit and rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a fruit of regeneration and a response to God's grace, leading to a life that honors Him.
Finally, eusebḗs points to the ultimate purpose of human existence: to glorify God through a life of reverent devotion. It is a call to live in a manner that reflects God's character and fulfills His will, demonstrating that our worship is not confined to sacred spaces but permeates every aspect of our existence.
### Summary
Eusebḗs (`{{G2152}}`) describes a person who is "well-reverent" or "rightly worshipping," embodying a genuine and practical godliness. Derived from εὖ (well) and σέβομαι (to revere), it signifies an inner piety that consistently manifests in outward actions pleasing to God. Biblical occurrences, notably in the depiction of Cornelius in Acts [[Acts 10:2]], illustrate this as a comprehensive devotion encompassing prayer, charity, and household leadership. The term stands in stark contrast to "ungodliness" and is closely related to cognates like eusebeia (`{{G2150}}`, godliness) and eusebeō (`{{G2151}}`, to act piously). Theologically, eusebḗs highlights the holistic nature of true faith, distinguishing believers as recipients of divine protection and demonstrating that authentic worship extends to every sphere of life. It is a defining mark of those whose lives are oriented towards honoring and pleasing God.
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