εὐλαβής

cautious, pious

Definition

The adjective εὐλαβής describes someone who is both cautious and reverent, combining carefulness with deep piety. Its primary sense is 'cautious' or 'circumspect,' implying a careful, thoughtful approach to life and faith. In a religious context, it specifically denotes being 'God-fearing' or 'devout,' as seen in Luke 2:25, where Simeon is described as 'righteous and devout' (εὐλαβής), awaiting the Messiah. This dual meaning of cautious reverence is consistent across its New Testament uses, reflecting a mindset of holy attentiveness.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only three times in the New Testament, each time describing devout individuals. In Luke 2:25, it characterizes Simeon as a pious, expectant man in Jerusalem. In Acts 2:5, it describes the 'devout' Jews from every nation gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost. In Acts 8:2, it refers to 'devout' men who buried Stephen and mourned deeply. All instances highlight individuals who are earnestly religious, observant, and respectful toward God, typically within a Jewish context of faithful expectation.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek roots εὖ (eu, 'well') and λαμβάνω (lambanō, 'to take, handle'), εὐλαβής literally means 'taking well' or 'handling carefully.' This evolved to signify being cautious or circumspect, and by extension, being carefully reverent toward divine matters. The related noun εὐλάβεια (eulabeia, G2124) means 'reverence' or 'godly fear,' further emphasizing the attitude of cautious piety.

Semantic Range

Εὐλαβής captures the biblical ideal of combining reverence with thoughtful caution in one's relationship with God. It reflects a heart posture of holy fear—not terror, but a respectful, attentive devotion that eagerly awaits God's promises, as seen in Simeon (Luke 2:25). This word enriches our understanding of genuine piety as both an inward attitude of worship and an outward life of careful, obedient expectation, contrasting with superficial or reckless religiosity.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world, εὐλαβής conveyed a respected social and religious virtue of being scrupulously careful and devout. For Jews, it often described those who meticulously observed the Law and lived in hopeful anticipation of God's redemption, like Simeon and the pilgrims at Pentecost. This cultural understanding of piety as both reverent and cautious differs from some modern notions of faith as purely emotional or spontaneous, highlighting the valued integration of thoughtful discipline with deep devotion.

εὐσεβής (eusebēs, G2152) — emphasizes active piety and worship; often translated 'godly' or 'devout,' with a stronger focus on outward religious observance. δίκαιος (dikaios, G1342) — emphasizes righteousness and justice in accordance with divine standards; Simeon is called both 'righteous' and 'devout' (Luke 2:25).

Word Details

Scripture References