### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀσέβεια (asébeia), Strong's number `{{G763}}`, is derived from the negative prefix 'a-' (not) and the root of σέβομαι (sebomai), meaning "to worship," "to reverence," or "to stand in awe of." Consequently, ἀσέβεια fundamentally signifies a "lack of reverence" or "disregard for God." It describes a state of impiety, ungodliness, or irreverence. This is not merely an absence of religious ritual, but a deep-seated spiritual disposition that fails to acknowledge, honor, or submit to God as He truly is. By implication, such a disposition invariably leads to wickedness, as a proper relationship with the divine is the foundation for true morality. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the internal attitude of disrespect toward God and the external actions that flow from such an attitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀσέβεια appears multiple times in the New Testament, consistently highlighting its profound theological implications.
In [[Romans 1:18]], Paul declares that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness (ἀσέβεια) and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." Here, ἀσέβεια is presented as the primary target of divine wrath, closely linked with "unrighteousness" (ἀδικία - `{{G93}}`), suggesting that a failure to honor God properly inevitably leads to moral corruption and the suppression of divine truth.
In [[2 Timothy 2:16]], Paul warns against "empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness (ἀσέβεια)." This context associates ἀσέβεια with false teaching and corrupting influences, indicating that doctrinal error can foster an impious mindset.
[[Titus 2:12]] states that God's grace "teaches us to deny ungodliness (ἀσέβεια) and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." This verse powerfully contrasts ἀσέβεια with the transformative power of grace, presenting it as something to be actively renounced by believers.
Jude's epistle frequently employs the concept of ungodliness. In [[Jude 1:15]], the Lord comes to "execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly (ἀσεβεῖς) of all their ungodly (ἀσεβῶν) deeds that they have committed in an ungodly (ἀσεβείας) way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly (ἀσεβεῖς) sinners have spoken against him." This passage underscores that ἀσέβεια manifests in deeds, words, and a general lifestyle, and is the basis for divine judgment.
Similarly, [[2 Peter 2:5-7]] references the destruction of the ancient world by flood and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as historical examples of God's judgment upon the ungodly (ἀσεβῶν), serving as a warning to those who would live impiously.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀσέβεια is enriched by examining its relationship to other significant biblical terms:
* **Antonym:** The most direct antonym is εὐσέβεια (eusebeia - `{{G2150}}`), meaning "godliness" or "piety." While ἀσέβεια signifies a lack of reverence for God, εὐσέβεια denotes proper devotion, reverence, and respect for Him. The Christian life, empowered by grace, involves a turning from ἀσέβεια to εὐσέβεια.
* **Closely Related Terms:**
* ἀδικία (adikia - `{{G93}}`): "unrighteousness" or "injustice." As seen in [[Romans 1:18]], ἀσέβεια and ἀδικία are often paired, suggesting that a failure to honor God (ungodliness) inevitably leads to moral failure (unrighteousness) in human relationships and conduct.
* ἁμαρτία (hamartia - `{{G266}}`): "sin." Ungodliness is a fundamental form of sin, representing a foundational failure to relate to God as He is, which then gives rise to other specific transgressions.
* ἀνομία (anomia - `{{G458}}`): "lawlessness." Disregard for God's divine law often stems from a prior disregard for God Himself, making lawlessness a practical outworking of ungodliness.
* **Related Concepts:**
* **Idolatry:** The worship of created things rather than the Creator is a clear manifestation of ἀσέβεια, as it denies God His unique glory and honor.
* **Rebellion:** An attitude of defiance against God's sovereignty and commands is inherently an act of ἀσέβεια.
* **Moral Corruption:** The practical outworking of a heart that is ungodly often results in various forms of moral decay and depravity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀσέβεια is profound and multifaceted:
* **Root of Human Sinfulness:** The New Testament presents ἀσέβεια as a foundational aspect of humanity's fallen state. It is not merely one sin among many, but rather the underlying disposition of the heart that fails to acknowledge God as God, leading to all forms of unrighteousness ([[Romans 1:18-32]]).
* **Object of Divine Wrath:** God's righteous wrath is specifically directed against ἀσέβεια. This emphasizes that ungodliness is not a minor infraction but a direct affront to God's holy character, His majesty, and His rightful claim to worship and obedience.
* **Call to Repentance and Transformation:** The gospel calls humanity to turn from ἀσέβεια. God's grace, far from excusing ungodliness, actively teaches believers to "deny ungodliness" ([[Titus 2:12]]), indicating that true salvation involves a radical reorientation of life from impiety to genuine piety.
* **Basis for Judgment:** Throughout the biblical narrative, ἀσέβεια is consistently linked with divine judgment, both in historical examples (the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah) and in the eschatological future ([[Jude 1:15]]). God will judge those who persist in a state of ungodliness.
* **Nature of the Unbeliever:** In essence, ἀσέβεια describes the spiritual condition of those who are outside of Christ—a life lived without due reverence for God, characterized by a practical or explicit denial of His authority and honor.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀσέβεια (asébeia - `{{G763}}`) precisely defines ungodliness or impiety, signifying a fundamental lack of reverence for God or an active disregard for His divine nature and authority. This concept is central to the New Testament's understanding of human sinfulness, often appearing alongside "unrighteousness" as the primary target of God's revealed wrath. It is not merely a moral failing but a spiritual rebellion that manifests in both attitude and action. The biblical witness consistently links ἀσέβεια with divine judgment, serving as a warning against a life lived without due honor for God. Conversely, the transformative power of God's grace enables believers to "deny ungodliness," turning from a state of irreverence to one of genuine godliness (εὐσέβεια - `{{G2150}}`), thereby underscoring the radical change inherent in salvation.
TRV