### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀσεβέω (asebéō, `{{G764}}`) is derived from the adjective ἀσεβής (asebēs, `{{G765}}`), which itself is formed from the alpha privative ἀ (meaning "not") and σέβομαι (sebomai, `{{G4576}}`), "to worship" or "to reverence." Therefore, the core meaning of ἀσεβέω is "to be impious," "to act ungodly," or "to behave irreverently towards God." It signifies a profound lack of proper reverence, worship, and obedience to the Divine.
The semantic range extends beyond mere moral failing; it specifically denotes a theological transgression. It is not simply "sin" in a general sense, but an active disregard for God's character, will, or existence. It implies a lifestyle or specific actions that are contrary to godliness (εὐσέβεια, eusebeia, `{{G2152}}`) and demonstrate a contempt for divine authority or a rejection of true piety. It describes the active manifestation of ἀσέβεια (asebeia, `{{G763}}`), which is ungodliness or impiety itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀσεβέω appears infrequently in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, primarily found in the context of divine judgment.
1. **[[2 Peter 2:6]]**: "and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example to those who afterward should live ungodly" (τοῖς μέλλουσιν ἀσεβεῖν). Here, ἀσεβεῖν (the infinitive form of ἀσεβέω) describes the characteristic behavior of those upon whom God's judgment falls. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a historical precedent and a stark warning for all who would "live ungodly" in the future. The context emphasizes God's righteous wrath against profound moral and spiritual corruption that disregards divine order.
2. **[[Jude 1:15]]**: "to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (ὧν ἠσέβησαν). In this verse, the aorist indicative ἠσέβησαν (a form of ἀσεβέω) is used to describe the past actions of the "ungodly ones" (ἀσεβεῖς, `{{G765}}`). Jude's prophecy of judgment highlights the comprehensive nature of this ungodliness: it manifests in "ungodly deeds" (ἔργων ἀσεβείας, `{{G763}}`) and "harsh things... spoken against Him." The repetition of the root word (ungodly ones, ungodly deeds, acted ungodly) underscores the pervasive and deliberate nature of their impiety, which warrants divine retribution.
In both instances, ἀσεβέω is directly linked to the certainty and severity of God's judgment. It portrays a pattern of life that is fundamentally alienated from God, characterized by actions and attitudes that are an affront to His holiness and justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀσεβέω is enriched by examining its lexical family and conceptual counterparts:
* **ἀσέβεια (asebeia, `{{G763}}`)**: The noun, meaning "ungodliness" or "impiety." This refers to the state, quality, or act of being impious. ἀσεβέω is the verb that describes the *doing* or *committing* of ἀσέβεια.
* **ἀσεβής (asebēs, `{{G765}}`)**: The adjective, meaning "ungodly" or "impious." This describes the person who *is* characterized by ἀσέβεια and *commits* ἀσεβέω.
* **σέβομαι (sebomai, `{{G4576}}`)**: The root verb from which ἀσεβέω is formed, meaning "to worship," "to reverence," or "to feel awe." It represents the positive act of devotion and respect towards God, the antithesis of ἀσεβέω.
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2152}}`)**: "Godliness" or "piety." This is the direct antonym of ἀσέβεια and represents the proper reverence and devotion towards God.
* **ἀνομία (anomia, `{{G458}}`)**: "Lawlessness." While ἀσεβέω focuses on the relationship with God, ἀνομία emphasizes the disregard for God's revealed law. The two often overlap, as impious acts frequently involve breaking divine commands.
* **ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`)**: "Sin," "missing the mark." ἀσεβέω is a specific and severe form of sin, characterized by its direct affront to God's nature and sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀσεβέω is profound, illuminating several key aspects of biblical theology:
1. **God's Nature and Sovereignty**: The concept of ἀσεβέω implicitly affirms God's holiness, righteousness, and absolute sovereignty. To act impiously is to deny or disregard these attributes, thereby challenging His rightful place as the Creator and Sustainer. God's judgment against ἀσεβέω underscores His commitment to His own glory and the order of His creation.
2. **Humanity's Relationship with God**: ἀσεβέω describes a fundamental brokenness in the human-divine relationship. It is not merely an intellectual disbelief but an active, often defiant, posture of irreverence and rebellion against God. It signifies a life lived without proper awe, respect, or devotion towards the Divine. This lack of reverence is seen as a root cause of many other sins.
3. **Divine Judgment**: As evidenced in [[2 Peter 2:6]] and [[Jude 1:15]], ἀσεβέω is consistently linked to divine judgment. God does not tolerate sustained impiety. The examples of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as eternal warnings that a life lived in active disregard for God's holiness will inevitably incur His wrath. This highlights the seriousness with which God views a lack of reverence.
4. **The Gospel's Remedy**: The Gospel of Jesus Christ offers the ultimate solution to ἀσεβέω. Through faith in Christ, individuals are not only forgiven for their past impious acts but are also transformed from a state of ungodliness to one of godliness (εὐσέβεια). The Holy Spirit enables believers to live a life of reverence and obedience, thus reversing the trajectory of ἀσεβέω.
### Summary
ἀσεβέω (asebéō, `{{G764}}`) signifies the act of being impious or committing ungodly deeds, characterized by a profound lack of reverence and respect for God. Rooted in a core meaning of "not reverencing," it describes actions and a lifestyle that actively disregard God's nature, will, and authority. Though appearing sparingly in the New Testament, its occurrences in [[2 Peter 2:6]] and [[Jude 1:15]] are critical, consistently linking ἀσεβέω to the certainty and severity of divine judgment upon those who persist in such behavior. It stands in stark contrast to εὐσέβεια (godliness) and underscores the theological gravity of living without proper awe and devotion toward the Creator. Understanding ἀσεβέω is crucial for grasping the biblical emphasis on God's holiness and the dire consequences of human rebellion against it.
TRV