εὐλάβεια

reverence, piety

Definition

Eὐλάβεια denotes a profound, reverent fear or piety, primarily directed toward God. It combines the ideas of caution, awe, and devout respect, often in the context of worship and prayer. In Hebrews 5:7, it describes the 'godly fear' with which Jesus offered prayers and supplications, highlighting a posture of humble submission. In Hebrews 12:28, it is the 'reverence and awe' with which believers are to serve God acceptably, emphasizing the appropriate response to a consuming holy presence.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Book of Hebrews. Its usage is consistently theological, describing the proper human attitude toward the divine. In Hebrews 5:7, it characterizes the emotional and spiritual state of Christ in His humanity during prayer. In Hebrews 12:28, it is commanded of the Christian community as the essential disposition for worship and service in light of God's unshakable kingdom.

Etymology

Derived from the verb εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai, G2125), meaning 'to be cautious' or 'to act with reverence.' It is a compound of εὖ (eu, 'well') and λαμβάνω (lambanō, 'to take'), suggesting the idea of 'taking hold well' or acting with careful discretion. Its meaning developed from general caution to specifically religious reverence and pious fear.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the nature of biblical fear, which is not terror but a worshipful, awe-filled reverence that leads to obedience. It captures the tension in a believer's relationship with a holy, loving God—a combination of intimate access and profound respect. In Christ's own prayer life (Hebrews 5:7), it models perfect human piety, while its command to believers (Hebrews 12:28) defines the core attitude of New Covenant worship, enriched by grace yet mindful of God's majesty.

In the Greco-Roman world, εὐλάβεια could refer to prudent caution in secular matters. The New Testament authors, particularly the writer to the Hebrews, fully theologize the term, anchoring it in the Jewish concept of the 'fear of the Lord'—the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This re-contextualization shifts the focus from general discretion to a specific, covenant-based reverence for the one true God, informed by His self-revelation and mighty acts.

φόβος (phobos, G5401) — a broader term for fear, which can mean terror or, in a religious context, reverence; the more specific εὐλάβεια often implies a reverent caution. εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, G2150) — denotes piety or godliness, focusing more on correct outward devotion, whereas εὐλάβεια emphasizes the inner attitude of awe and caution that undergirds it. δεισιδαιμονία (deisidaimonia, G1175) — used in Acts 25:19, often translated 'superstition' or 'religion,' generally a more neutral or negative term for religious fear, lacking the positive, God-focused connotation of εὐλάβεια.

Word Details

Scripture References