ἀσεβέω (asebeō)
asebeō
be ungodly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb asebeō describes a state of being ungodly or acting with impiety. It denotes a fundamental rejection of reverence toward God, manifesting in behavior that is profane or irreverent. This word captures more than simple moral failure; it points to an attitude of hostility or neglect toward the divine order.
Derived from the adjective asebes, meaning "ungodly," the verb emphasizes the active expression of this condition. In the New Testament, it appears in Jude 15 to describe those who commit ungodly deeds. The usage highlights actions that stem from a heart devoid of proper respect for God, contrasting sharply with a life oriented toward piety.
Translators typically render asebeō as "act ungodly" or "commit impiety." This choice preserves the sense of active rebellion rather than passive absence. The term serves as a stark description of those who live without regard for divine authority, marking their conduct as fundamentally opposed to true worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asebeō points to a life that actively rejects reverence for God. It is not merely a lack of religious habit, but a posture of heart that ignores divine authority. When we see this term in Scripture, it reminds us that our relationship with God is foundational to how we live every day.
For your faith, this word offers a clear mirror. It invites you to examine whether your actions flow from respect for God or from self-interest. The New Testament uses it to describe deeds that stem from a heart far from God. This is not about perfection, but about direction. We are called to live in awe of the One who created us.
When we turn toward God, our lives begin to reflect that reverence. This word helps us understand the seriousness of ignoring Him, but also the beauty of honoring Him. May your heart be tender toward God’s presence, finding joy in walking with Him each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they have been ungodly,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠσέβησαν,1×
Key Verses
-
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.”
This verse uses asebeō to describe the active conduct of those who reject God, linking their ungodly deeds directly to their hardened speech against Him.