σέβομαι

I reverence, worship

Definition

The verb σέβομαι (sebomai) primarily means 'to reverence, worship, or show devout respect.' It describes the act of honoring a deity with appropriate awe and piety. In the New Testament, it often refers to devout Gentiles who worship the God of Israel but have not fully converted to Judaism, sometimes called 'God-fearers' (e.g., Acts 13:43, 16:14). In a negative sense, it can denote worship that is misdirected or merely external, as Jesus quotes Isaiah regarding worship based on human traditions rather than God's command (Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7).

Biblical Usage

Σέβομαι is used 10 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Book of Acts to describe devout individuals, especially Gentiles sympathetic to Judaism. Key examples include Lydia, a 'worshiper of God' in Acts 16:14, and those in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch in Acts 13:43. It also appears in the Gospels in Jesus' critique of hollow tradition (Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7). The term consistently appears in religious contexts, highlighting genuine or flawed devotion.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root σέβ- (seb-), meaning 'to worship' or 'revere,' σέβομαι is a deponent verb (middle/passive in form, active in meaning). It is related to σεβάζομαι (sebazomai, G4573) and σέβασμα (sebasma, G4574), which refer to an object of worship. The word group conveys a sense of reverential awe and religious devotion, central to ancient Greek and Jewish religious vocabulary.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it distinguishes between authentic, God-centered reverence and superficial or misdirected worship. It helps identify the 'God-fearers' in Acts, a group crucial for understanding the early church's mission to the Gentiles. Grasping σέβομαι enriches reading by clarifying the nature of true worship—rooted in God's truth, not human tradition—and highlighting the inclusive reach of the gospel to devout seekers.

In the Greco-Roman world, σέβομαι was used for revering gods, rulers, or sacred objects. In Jewish and early Christian contexts, it specifically denoted reverence for the one true God. The 'God-fearers' (οἱ σεβόμενοι, hoi sebomenoi) were a known class of Gentiles who attended synagogues, followed certain Jewish practices, but were not circumcised or bound by the full Law, representing a bridge between Judaism and the Gentile world.

προσκυνέω (proskyneō, G4352) — to bow down in worship, often physical homage; λατρεύω (latreuō, G3000) — to serve or render religious service, emphasizing duty; εὐσεβέω (eusebeō, G2151) — to act piously or devoutly, focusing on righteous conduct.

Word Details

Scripture References