The Greek noun theosebeia (θεοσέβεια) combines theos (God) and sebeia (reverence/worship). It means godliness, devoutness, or proper reverence and worship of God. The word appears once in the New Testament (1 Timothy 2:10) but is deeply embedded in Jewish and Hellenistic religious vocabulary as the ideal disposition of the devout person toward the divine.
Theosebeia in 1 Timothy 2:10 describes the conduct appropriate for women who profess to worship God — their adornment should be 'good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God (theosebeian).' The word captures the integration of belief and behavior: true theosebeia is not merely doctrinal assent but a whole life shaped by reverence for God. The related adjective theosebes appears in the LXX and describes the patriarchs and those who fear God. Taken together, these terms describe a person whose entire orientation — action, speech, relationships, and priorities — flows from genuine awe and love for God.