### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σέβομαι (sébomai, `{{G4576}}`) is a deponent middle-voice verb, derived from an apparently primary root. Its core meaning revolves around the concept of "reverence" or "adoration." It denotes an inward feeling of awe, respect, and veneration towards an object, which often manifests in outward acts of worship or devotion. Unlike some other terms for worship that emphasize the physical act (e.g., `{{G4352}}` *proskyneō*, "to prostrate oneself"), σέβομαι often highlights the internal disposition of profound respect and honor. The semantic range extends from genuine, heartfelt worship of God to misguided or even vain religious practices directed towards idols or human traditions. It implies a recognition of something as sacred or worthy of honor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σέβομαι appears primarily in the Gospels and the book of Acts, with a significant theological implication in its usage.
* In [[Matthew 15:9]] and [[Mark 7:7]], Jesus quotes [[Isaiah 29:13]] to condemn the Pharisees' "vain worship" (μάτην με σέβονται). Here, σέβομαι is used to describe religious practices that, while outwardly appearing devout, are devoid of true heart-obedience to God, being instead based on human traditions. This highlights the crucial distinction between external ritual and internal devotion.
* In the book of Acts, σέβομαι frequently describes individuals who were "God-fearers" or "devout" (σεβόμενοι τὸν Θεόν). These were Gentiles who had adopted monotheistic beliefs and practices, often attending synagogues, without fully converting to Judaism.
* [[Acts 13:43]] mentions "many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes" who followed Paul and Barnabas, indicating their existing religious inclination.
* Lydia in [[Acts 16:14]] is described as "a worshiper of God" (σεβομένη τὸν Θεόν), signifying her prior reverence for the true God, which made her receptive to the Gospel.
* [[Acts 17:4]] notes that "a great many of the devout Greeks" were persuaded by Paul's preaching in Thessalonica.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 17:17]], Paul reasoned with "the Jews and the devout persons" in the synagogue in Athens.
* Titius Justus in [[Acts 18:7]] is also identified as "a worshiper of God." These instances demonstrate that σέβομαι could describe sincere, though incomplete, devotion to the true God, serving as a spiritual bridge to the Christian faith for many Gentiles.
* Significantly, σέβομαι is also used in the context of pagan worship. In [[Acts 19:27]], Demetrius, the silversmith, expresses concern that the worship of Artemis (τῆς θεᾶς Ἀρτέμιδος τὸ ἱερὸν εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι, μέλλει δὲ καὶ καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος αὐτῆς ἣν ὅλη ἡ Ἀσία καὶ ἡ οἰκουμένη σέβεται) would be discredited. This illustrates that the term describes the *act* of reverence itself, regardless of whether the object of that reverence is true or false.
* While not directly using σέβομαι, [[Colossians 2:23]] uses the related noun ἐθελοθρησκία (ethelothreskia, `{{G1479}}`), "self-imposed worship," which pertains to humanly devised religious practices that appear devout but lack true spiritual value. This echoes the warning in Matthew/Mark against vain worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
σέβομαι stands in relation to several other Greek terms pertaining to worship and religious practice:
* `{{G4352}}` *proskyneō* (to prostrate oneself, to worship): Often emphasizes the physical act of bowing down or showing obeisance, while σέβομαι focuses more on the internal attitude of reverence. One might *proskyneō* as an act resulting from *sébomai*.
* `{{G3000}}` *latreia* (service, worship): Denotes worship as service, often involving specific rituals or priestly functions, emphasizing the performance of duty.
* `{{G2356}}` *thréskeia* (religious observance, ritual): Refers to external religious practice or cultic worship.
* `{{G5399}}` *phobeomai* (to fear): Often used in the phrase "God-fearers" (φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεόν), which overlaps conceptually with "devout" (σεβόμενοι τὸν Θεόν). While *phobeomai* emphasizes awe and dread of God's power and holiness, *sébomai* leans more towards adoration and profound respect.
The concept of σέβομαι is deeply intertwined with piety, devotion, and religiousness. When misdirected, it can lead to superstition or idolatry. In the Septuagint, σέβομαι often translates Hebrew terms like יָרֵא (yare', `{{H3372}}`, "to fear, revere") or עָבַד (avad, `{{H5647}}`, "to serve, worship"), further underscoring its broad application to religious veneration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σέβομαι is multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights the inherent human capacity for reverence and worship, a fundamental aspect of humanity created in God's image. This innate drive to adore is a testament to the divine imprint upon humanity. Secondly, the New Testament's use of σέβομαι sharply distinguishes between true, heartfelt worship of the living God and empty, man-made religious practices. Jesus' condemnation in the Gospels reveals that outward acts of piety are meaningless if the heart is far from God, emphasizing the necessity of genuine internal devotion over mere external conformity.
Thirdly, the frequent use of σέβομαι to describe "devout" Gentiles in Acts underscores the providential preparation of hearts for the Gospel. These individuals, already possessing a sincere religious inclination and reverence for the true God, were fertile ground for the apostles' message, playing a crucial role in the early expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish circles. Finally, the application of σέβομαι to both God and pagan deities (as seen with Artemis) underscores that the *act* of reverence itself is neutral; its moral and spiritual value is entirely determined by the *object* of that reverence. True σέβομαι is directed solely towards God, acknowledging His supreme worthiness of all adoration and honor.
### Summary
σέβομαι (sébomai, `{{G4576}}`) signifies a profound reverence and adoration, encompassing both the internal attitude of awe and the outward expressions of worship. While it can describe genuine, heartfelt worship of the true God, it also applies to misdirected devotion towards idols or human traditions, thereby exposing the emptiness of vain religiosity. In the book of Acts, the term frequently identifies "devout" Gentiles who, already possessing a sincere religious disposition towards the true God, were uniquely prepared to receive the Gospel. The usage of σέβομαι ultimately emphasizes that authentic worship requires not only outward acts but, more importantly, an inward attitude of deep respect and adoration directed towards the one true God, distinguishing true piety from superficial religious performance.
TRV