ἀσέβεια (asebeia)
asebeia
ungodlinessness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun asebeia describes a fundamental lack of reverence toward God, often translated as ungodliness or impiety. It denotes more than simple moral failure; it captures an attitude of irreverence that rejects divine authority. In the New Testament, this term highlights a relational breach with God rather than just a list of bad actions.
Its root lies in the adjective asebes, meaning "godless" or "irreverent." The sources note that in the Greek Old Testament, it frequently translates Hebrew words for rebellion and wickedness. This connection shows that asebeia is seen as a serious offense against God’s character, not merely a social transgression.
Paul uses this word to describe the human condition apart from grace. In Romans 1:18, he links ungodliness with the suppression of truth. Later, in Titus 2:12, he contrasts it with godly living, showing that true piety is the remedy for such irreverence. Jude also pairs it with specific "ungodly deeds," emphasizing that this inner attitude inevitably produces outward sin. The term thus serves as a diagnostic label for the root of human rebellion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asebeia points to a heart posture that is distant from God. It is not simply about breaking rules, but about a fundamental lack of reverence for His authority. When we feel disconnected or indifferent, we are touching the root of this condition. Recognizing this distance is the first step toward restoring our relationship with Him.
Scripture shows us that this attitude leads to suppressing truth and living without direction. Yet, the message is not one of despair. In Romans 1:18, Paul describes this state clearly so we might understand our need for grace. The remedy is found in turning away from irreverence and toward a life that honors God.
God invites us to live with soberness and righteousness today. This shift does not happen by our own strength alone but through His instruction and Spirit. We can find hope in knowing that He turns away ungodliness and draws us near, offering peace and purpose in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ungodliness3×
- to ungodliness,1×
- of ungodlinesses.1×
- of ungodliness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσέβειαν2×
- ἀσεβείας2×
- ἀσεβείας,1×
- ἀσεβειῶν.1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
This verse identifies the root cause of divine wrath as the human suppression of truth through an irreverent attitude.
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Titus 2:12
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
Here, the word is paired with worldly lusts to show that denying ungodliness is the practical path to godly living.
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Jude 1:15
to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
Jude uses this term three times in one sentence to emphasize how inner irreverence inevitably produces specific outward sins.