θεοσεβής (theosebēs)
theosebēs
godly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective theosebēs describes a person who is godly or devout in their relationship with God. Its meaning combines two elements: theos, for God, and sebomai, which means to worship or show reverence. This construction points directly to a life characterized by piety and fear of the divine.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in John 9:31. Here, a man healed of blindness uses it to describe himself as "a sinner" yet one who honors God through obedience. The term highlights a practical reverence that aligns with biblical wisdom, where true piety is evidenced by how one lives.
While similar to eusebeia (godliness), theosebēs emphasizes the attitude of awe and respect toward God. It reflects a heart that acknowledges divine authority and responds with worshipful conduct. This single usage in John underscores the value of humble reverence in spiritual understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word theosebēs captures a life marked by deep reverence for God. It blends the idea of God with the act of worship, pointing to someone whose daily conduct reflects awe and respect for the divine. This is not just an internal feeling but a visible way of living that honors God’s authority.
In John 9:31, a man healed of blindness uses this term to describe himself. Despite being called a sinner, he identifies as one who worships God and does His will. This shows that true piety is not about perfection but about a heart aligned with God through obedience.
For your faith, this word reminds us that godliness is practical. It is found in how we live out our reverence for God in everyday actions. By seeking to honor Him in all things, we reflect a life of genuine devotion and trust in His guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- God-fearing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θεοσεβὴς1×
Key Verses
-
John 9:31
We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, he listens to him.
This verse uniquely applies theosebēs to a man who, despite his sinfulness, demonstrates true godliness through obedience to God's will.