The Greek noun asebeia (ἀσέβεια) means "ungodliness, impiety, lack of reverence toward God" — from the alpha-privative a- (not) and sebomai (to worship, revere). It names the fundamental posture of a life oriented away from God — not merely irreligious behavior but an attitude of hostility or indifference toward the divine.
Asebeia is one of Paul's most theologically loaded terms. In Romans 1:18, he declares that "the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness (asebeian) and wickedness of people." This is the condition of all humanity apart from the gospel — not just flagrant sinners but anyone who suppresses the truth about God. In Romans 4:5, Paul's gospel turns this upside down: God "justifies the ungodly" (ton asebe) — the very people who are asebeis are the ones Christ died for. Titus 2:12 calls believers to deny asebeian and live godly lives, having been redeemed from it.