εὐσεβέω
eusebéō
G2151 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To show reverence, act with proper respect. In its primary sense, εὐσεβέω refers to practicing piety or demonstrating reverent conduct, particularly in relation to divinity (toward the gods or, contextually in Jewish and Christian settings, toward God), but also with application to showing due respect or duty toward parents or elders. The term implies outward expression of honor, reverence, or religious devotion through action, behavior, or support. In extended contexts, it can include the fulfillment of familial or social obligations as an aspect of broader reverence.
Semantic Range
to show reverence toward God or gods, to fulfill religious duties, to support/honor parents or elders, to act uprightly in respect to social or familial obligations, to demonstrate pious behavior
Root / Etymology
From εὐσεβής (eusebēs, 'devout, reverent, pious') formed from εὖ ('well') + σέβομαι ('to revere, worship'). Thus, εὐσεβέω is a denominative verb meaning 'to act in a pious manner' or 'to demonstrate reverence.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, εὐσεβέω described appropriate worship or reverence to the gods, in accordance with social or religious norms. In the Septuagint, it primarily replaces Hebrew concepts of 'fear of God,' 'piety,' and the proper fulfillment of cultic or familial obligations. In the New Testament (see 1 Timothy 5:4), the word specifically describes children displaying proper regard for their parents by supporting and honoring them, a duty considered religiously significant in many Mediterranean and Judean contexts. The English translation 'show piety' sometimes lacks the actional nuance present in the Greek, which emphasizes doing or fulfilling one’s duty through visible deeds. Unlike σεβάζομαι, which can convey awe or worship, εὐσεβέω is more closely connected to conduct reflecting one's reverence, particularly in the context of prescribed duties toward divinity or family. Over time, the term came to be associated more generally with devout or proper behavior in any relationship that implied a moral or religious obligation. 'Worship,' as a translation, may flatten these nuances by limiting the term exclusively to formal religious rites, ignoring its broader social applications.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐσεβής; to be pious, i.e. (towards God) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support):--show piety, worship.
Root Family
εὐσεβέω (eusebeō) — to revere, to act piously, to honor
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2151-01 |
εὐσεβεῖν | eusebein | V PRS ACT INF |
to show piety | to show reverence | to show reverence | 1 |
G2151-02 |
εὐσεβεῖτε | eusebeite | V PRS ACT IND 2P PL |
you worship | you practice reverence | you practice reverence | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2151-02 |
Acts 17:23 | εὐσεβεῖτε | eusebeite | V PRS ACT IND 2P PL |
you worship | you practice reverence | you practice reverence |
G2151-01 |
1 Timothy 5:4 | εὐσεβεῖν | eusebein | V PRS ACT INF |
to show piety | to show reverence | to show reverence |