εὐλαβής (eulabēs)
eulabēs
devout
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word eulabēs describes a person who is devout or religious, but its roots suggest something more active than passive piety. Derived from elements meaning "well" and "to take hold," it literally conveys the idea of handling things carefully or with caution. This etymology implies that true devotion involves a deliberate, attentive grasp of one’s responsibilities toward God.
In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, primarily in Luke and Acts, to describe individuals marked by reverence and moral seriousness. It characterizes Simeon in Luke 2:25 as just and devout, highlighting his eager anticipation of God’s promises. Similarly, it describes Cornelius in Acts 10 as a God-fearing man who gave generously to the poor, showing that this piety is expressed through tangible acts of charity and respect for divine law.
The word bridges the gap between intellectual belief and practical conduct. While it shares ground with terms for righteousness, eulabēs emphasizes the attitude of reverence that underlies such behavior. It suggests a life lived with careful attention to God’s presence, where fear of the Lord translates into ethical integrity and compassionate action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eulabēs paints a picture of devotion that is both careful and active. It comes from roots meaning to hold something well or with care. This suggests that true piety is not just a feeling, but a deliberate way of living. It involves paying close attention to God’s presence and responding with integrity.
When we look at figures like Simeon in Luke 2:25, we see this devotion as a quiet waiting for God’s promises. In Acts, it describes people who show their reverence through generous acts toward others. This balance of inner respect and outer action invites us to consider how our own faith shapes our daily choices.
Living with this kind of careful devotion means treating our responsibilities toward God and neighbor with seriousness. It is a call to hold fast to what matters most, letting that grip shape every part of life. May you find peace in knowing that God sees and values this attentive heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- devout4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐλαβὴς2×
- εὐλαβεῖς2×
Key Verses
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Luke 2:25
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
This verse links eulabēs with righteousness and the active hope for Israel’s comfort, showing devotion as a posture of eager expectation.
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Acts 2:5
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky.
Here the term describes Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem, indicating that devoutness was a recognized identity among those gathered for the feast.
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Acts 8:2
Devout men buried Stephen and lamented greatly over him.
The use of eulabēs here highlights the deep mourning and respectful care shown by these men in burying Stephen, connecting piety with compassion.
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Acts 22:12
“One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
Ananias is described as devout according to the law, showing that this reverence was closely tied to strict adherence to Jewish religious practices.