from θεός and σέβομαι; reverent of God, i.e. pious:--worshipper of God.
Transliteration:theosebḗs
Pronunciation:theh-os-eb-ace'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word θεοσεβής (theosebḗs, `{{G2318}}`) is a compound adjective formed from θεός (theos, God) and σέβομαι (sebomai, to worship, revere, stand in awe of). Literally, it signifies "God-revering" or "God-worshipping." The core meaning thus points to an individual characterized by a profound and active reverence for God. This is not merely intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence, but an internal posture of awe, respect, and devotion that manifests in one's life. The semantic range extends beyond simple religiosity to encompass genuine piety and a sincere commitment to the divine, implying a life lived in conscious deference to God's authority and character. It describes one who is truly devout, not just outwardly observant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θεοσεβής (theosebḗs, `{{G2318}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant context:
* **[[John 9:31]]**: "We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him."
This statement is made by the man born blind, whom Jesus had just healed. He is responding to the incredulity and hostility of the Pharisees, who refuse to acknowledge Jesus' divine authority. The formerly blind man, in his simple yet profound theological insight, asserts a widely accepted principle: God hears the prayers of those who are θεοσεβής (worshippers of God) *and* who do His will. The conjunction "and does his will" (καὶ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ ποιῇ) is crucial. It clarifies that true reverence (θεοσεβής) is not merely a feeling or an identity, but is inextricably linked to active obedience. This passage underscores that genuine piety is demonstrated through righteous living and conformity to God's commands, distinguishing it from superficial religious observance or mere ritual. The man's statement implies that Jesus, by performing such a miraculous act, must be θεοσεβής and doing God's will, thus deserving of God's hearing and favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of θεοσεβής (theosebḗs, `{{G2318}}`) is enriched by its relationship to several other Greek terms:
* **θεός (theos, God):** The direct object of the reverence. The word itself defines the proper direction of the worship.
* **σέβομαι (sebomai):** The root verb, meaning to worship, revere, or stand in awe. This verb emphasizes a profound respect and veneration.
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2150}}`):** This noun means "godliness" or "piety." While θεοσεβής describes the person who is God-revering, εὐσέβεια describes the quality or state of being godly. They are closely related concepts, with θεοσεβής being a specific manifestation of εὐσέβεια directed towards God.
* **εὐσεβῶς (eusebōs, `{{G2153}}`):** The adverb meaning "piously" or "godly."
* **φοβέομαι (phobeomai, `{{G5399}}`):** To fear, often in the sense of reverential awe or respect for God. While σεβω emphasizes reverence and worship, φοβος often conveys the solemnity and awe appropriate in the presence of the divine.
* **δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`):** Righteous. The connection in [[John 9:31]] between being θεοσεβής and "doing God's will" strongly links piety with righteous conduct, echoing the Old Testament emphasis on justice and obedience as expressions of true worship.
* **ἀσεβής (asebēs, `{{G765}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "ungodly" or "impious." This contrasting term highlights the moral and spiritual nature of θεοσεβής.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of θεοσεβής (theosebḗs, `{{G2318}}`) in [[John 9:31]] carries profound theological weight. It articulates a fundamental principle of divine-human interaction: God responds to genuine piety.
1. **Nature of True Piety:** The term defines authentic devotion to God. It is not merely an outward display or adherence to religious customs, but an inner disposition of reverence that leads to active obedience. This stands in stark contrast to the hypocrisy and legalism that Jesus often confronted, particularly among the religious leaders of His day.
2. **Obedience as Expression of Reverence:** The explicit linkage between being a "worshipper of God" and "doing His will" is critical. It teaches that true reverence for God is inseparable from ethical conduct and obedience to His commands. Worship is not confined to ritual or emotion but permeates the entirety of one's life.
3. **Divine Responsiveness:** The passage implies that God's ear is open to those who are θεοσεβής. This speaks to the nature of God's relationship with humanity, where He honors and responds to those who honor Him through their lives. It suggests a reciprocal relationship where human faithfulness invites divine favor and hearing.
4. **Criterion for Discernment:** In the context of [[John 9]], the blind man uses this principle to defend Jesus' authenticity. If God heard Jesus and empowered Him to perform such a miracle, then Jesus must be θεοσεβής and doing God's will, thereby demonstrating His divine approval. This highlights θεοσεβής as a practical criterion for discerning true spiritual authority and divine agency.
### Summary
θεοσεβής (theosebḗs, `{{G2318}}`) is a powerful Greek term meaning "God-revering" or "God-worshipping," signifying an individual characterized by genuine piety and devotion. Although it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[John 9:31]], its context is highly significant. The formerly blind man's assertion that "God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him" profoundly connects true reverence with active obedience to God's commands. This term thus describes not just an inner attitude but a life lived in conscious deference to the divine will, emphasizing that authentic worship is demonstrated through righteous living. θεοσεβής encapsulates the essence of a life truly dedicated to God, marked by both inner awe and outward conformity to His purposes, and implies a receptive relationship with the Almighty.
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