ἀσεβέω

I am impious, irreverent, do impiously

Definition

The verb ἀσεβέω means to act in a way that shows a fundamental lack of reverence or proper fear toward God. It describes active, willful behavior that violates divine law and order, not merely a passive state of unbelief. In its two New Testament occurrences, it specifically refers to the flagrantly immoral and defiant conduct of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6) and the ungodly deeds of all sinners condemned at the final judgment (Jude 1:15). The word encompasses both impiety in thought and profane actions in life.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in a context of divine judgment against severe, persistent sin. In 2 Peter 2:6, it describes the active, ungodly conduct of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which led to their destruction as an example. In Jude 1:15, it is used in a prophecy of the Lord's coming judgment to convict all people of their 'ungodly deeds' (ἔργων ἀσεβῶν). Both uses are in judgment oracles within general epistles warning against false teachers and moral corruption.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (meaning 'not' or 'without') combined with the verb σέβομαι (sebomai, G4576), which means 'to worship,' 'revere,' or 'feel awe.' Thus, ἀσεβέω literally means 'to not revere' or 'to be without worship.' It is part of a word family including the noun ἀσέβεια (asebeia, G763, 'ungodliness') and the adjective ἀσεβής (asebēs, G765, 'ungodly one').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it defines sin not merely as a mistake or weakness, but as active rebellion against God's rightful authority. It highlights that ungodliness is a positive orientation away from reverence, making one liable to God's judgment. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of passages like Jude 1:15 by emphasizing that final judgment will address specific, willful acts of impiety, underscoring the seriousness of a life lived without fear of God.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'piety' (εὐσέβεια, eusebeia) was a central civic and religious virtue encompassing proper respect for the gods, the state, and one's family. To be 'impious' (ἀσεβής) was a serious social and religious accusation, implying a destabilizing disregard for the divine order that was believed to uphold society. The biblical authors adopt this potent term to describe a life in rebellion against the one true God, investing it with deeper theological meaning related to covenant faithfulness.

ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō, G264) — a broader term for 'to miss the mark' or sin, while ἀσεβέω emphasizes the active impiety and irreverence toward God. παραβαίνω (parabainō, G3845) — means 'to transgress' or 'overstep' a command or law, focusing on the violation of a boundary, whereas ἀσεβέω focuses on the attitude toward God behind the violation.

Word Details

Scripture References