εὐλάβεια (eulabeia)
eulabeia
reverence
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun eulabeia describes a careful, watchful attitude that blends caution with deep respect. In classical Greek it often meant simple discretion or prudence, but in the New Testament it takes on a distinctly spiritual weight. It is best understood as "godly fear" or reverence—a respectful awe that leads to careful living rather than paralyzing dread.
This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Hebrews, which highlights its specific theological context. In Hebrews 5:7 it describes Jesus’ prayerful submission during His earthly life, showing a reverent obedience even in suffering. Later, in Hebrews 12:28, believers are urged to serve God with eulabeia and reverence, linking this careful respect to the worship of an unshakable kingdom.
Its root suggests being "well-guarded" or mindful. Unlike mere anxiety, this reverence is grounded in the recognition of God’s holiness. It is a positive, active posture that shapes how believers approach both divine presence and moral responsibility, ensuring their lives reflect the seriousness of their faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eulabeia points to a careful, watchful heart that blends deep respect with sensible caution. In the New Testament it carries a spiritual weight far beyond simple prudence. It describes a reverent awe that guides our steps without paralyzing us with dread. This attitude recognizes God’s holiness and shapes how we approach His presence.
We see this clearly in Jesus’ own life. Hebrews 5:7 shows Him offering prayers with strong crying and tears, heard because of His godly fear. His submission was not born of panic but of a profound trust in the Father’s will. This reverence led to obedient action even amid suffering.
For us, this same spirit invites careful worship. Hebrews 12:28 urges believers to serve God with eulabeia as we receive an unshakable Kingdom. It is a positive posture that keeps our lives aligned with the seriousness of our faith. May your walk be marked by such mindful respect and steady trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reverence,1×
- reverence1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐλαβείας,1×
- εὐλαβείας1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 5:7
He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
This verse applies eulabeia to Jesus’ prayerful submission, showing that His godly fear was the posture through which He was heard by the Father.
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Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,
Here the word links the believer’s service directly to the reality of an unshakable Kingdom, urging careful reverence as a response to grace.