from σεβάζομαι; venerable (august), i.e. (as noun) a title of the Roman Emperor, or (as adjective) imperial:--Augustus(-').
Transliteration:sebastós
Pronunciation:seb-as-tos'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective σεβαστός (sebastós, `{{G4575}}`) is derived from the verb σεβάζομαι (sebázomai, `{{G4576}}`), meaning "to revere, worship, or venerate." Consequently, σεβαστός inherently carries the meaning of "venerable, august, revered, or worthy of worship." In the Greco-Roman world, this term became particularly significant as the Greek equivalent of the Latin imperial title "Augustus." This title, first conferred upon Octavian, signified not merely political authority but also a sacred or divinely sanctioned status, demanding reverence and even worship from subjects. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both a general sense of profound respect and a specific, imperial designation with strong religious overtones.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σεβαστός (sebastós, `{{G4575}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 27:1]]. The verse states, "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band." Here, "Augustus' band" (σπείρης Σεβαστῆς, speirēs Sebastēs) refers to a specific military unit, likely an imperial cohort or one directly associated with the Emperor (Caesar Augustus). In this context, the term functions as an adjective modifying "band" or "cohort," identifying it as "the Augustan cohort" or "the imperial cohort." While seemingly a simple geographical or military designation, its use subtly underscores the pervasive reach of Roman imperial power and the authority under which Paul, a prisoner for Christ, was being transported. It highlights the earthly power structure that unwittingly served God's sovereign plan for Paul's journey to Rome.
### Related Words & Concepts
The lexical family of σεβαστός (sebastós, `{{G4575}}`) is rich with terms related to reverence and worship. Its root, σεβάζομαι (sebázomai, `{{G4576}}`), is used in [[Romans 1:25]] to describe the act of worshipping created things rather than the Creator. Other related terms include σέβασμα (sebasma, `{{G4574}}`), which refers to an "object of worship" or "idol," notably found in [[Acts 17:23]] concerning an Athenian altar "To the Unknown God," and in [[2 Thessalonians 2:4]] describing the "man of lawlessness" who opposes every object of worship. The verb σέβομαι (sebomai, `{{G4573}}`) means "to worship" or "to be devout," often used to describe "God-fearers" (e.g., [[Acts 13:43]], [[Acts 16:14]]), gentiles who revered the God of Israel. These interconnected terms reveal a broader semantic field concerning the act, object, and nature of worship, contrasting true reverence for God with the veneration of human rulers or idols.
### Theological Significance
While σεβαστός (sebastós, `{{G4575}}`) appears only once in a descriptive military context, its underlying meaning and historical usage carry profound theological significance. The title "Augustus" embodied the Roman imperial cult's demand for divine honors, placing the Emperor in a position of veneration akin to a god. This directly clashed with the exclusive monotheism of Judaism and, even more sharply, with the nascent Christian faith, which reserved all worship and ultimate allegiance for God alone, as revealed in Jesus Christ. The early church's refusal to offer sacrifices or divine homage to the Emperor was a primary cause of persecution. Thus, the presence of an "Augustan band" in [[Acts 27:1]] subtly highlights the tension between the world's claims to ultimate authority and the Christian's unwavering commitment to the Lordship of Christ. Paul, a prisoner of this imperial system, ultimately served a higher King, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to God's sovereign will.
### Summary
The Greek word σεβαστός (sebastós, `{{G4575}}`) signifies "venerable, august, or worthy of reverence," and specifically serves as the Greek equivalent for the Roman imperial title "Augustus." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 27:1]] describes a "centurion of Augustus' band," a military unit associated with the Roman Emperor. Derived from σεβάζομαι (sebázomai, `{{G4576}}`), and related to terms like σέβασμα (sebasma, `{{G4574}}`) and σέβομαι (sebomai, `{{G4573}}`), it belongs to a lexical family concerned with the act and object of worship. Theologically, σεβαστός implicitly points to the fundamental conflict between the Roman imperial cult's demand for divine honors and the exclusive worship due to the one true God, a central tenet of early Christian faith that often led to persecution. It serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the ultimate allegiance owed to Christ, even when navigating the structures of earthly power.
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