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G2150 · Greek · New Testament
εὐσέβεια
eusebeia
Noun, feminine
godliness/piety/reverence

Definition

A noun meaning godliness, piety, or religious devotion. It refers to a comprehensive, well-directed reverence toward God that expresses itself in both worship and life. Eusebeia is the Greek word that comes closest to the English 'godliness' — an integrated posture of reverencing God and acting accordingly in every sphere of life.

Usage & Theological Significance

Eusebeia is one of the key virtue terms in the Pastoral Epistles. Paul tells Timothy to train himself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8) and declares that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). The 'mystery of godliness' in 1 Timothy 3:16 refers to Christ himself — the source and substance of all true godliness. Crucially, 2 Timothy 3:5 warns of those who have a form of godliness but deny its power — religion without transformation. True eusebeia is not religious performance but life shaped by genuine encounter with the living God.

Key Bible Verses

1 Timothy 4:7 Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh.
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him.

Related Words

External Resources

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