Eusebeia — Godliness
December 20, 2024
This word is sometimes thought of from an arrogant perspective. However, it is not nearly supposed to be a prissy show like the roles played, the arrogant performance acted out by the Religious Leaders of Jesus’ time on Earth. That is the very opposite of having godliness…
“Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.” — Luke 20:46,NLT.
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” — Matthew 6:5–6, NLT.
From those two teachings of Jesus,, it is obvious that godliness is not pretentious play-acting. The following source points out a few more key thoughts:
“Word Origin: Derived from εὐσεβής (eusebēs), meaning ‘pious’ or ‘devout,’ which itself comes from εὖ (eu, ‘well’) and σέβομαι (sebomai, ‘to worship’ or ‘to revere’) — https://biblehub.com/greek/2150.htm.
So, I understand this to explain that the meaning of “godliness” intends to convey the ideas of sincere respect and reverence for God, and the necessity for an obedient living out what Jesus teaches.
Following is a more expansive explanation of the word’s etymology, showing what is involved in living in godliness:
“The Greek word “εὐρύχωρος” (euruchóros) is used to describe something that is broad or spacious. In the context of the New Testament, it often conveys the idea of a wide or expansive area, which can be both literal and metaphorical. It is used to describe paths, roads, or ways that are broad and easy to travel, often in contrast to narrow or difficult paths.
In ancient Greek culture, the concept of a “broad” or “spacious” way was often associated with ease and comfort, as wider roads were easier to travel and navigate. This imagery is used in the New Testament to contrast the broad way that leads to destruction with the narrow way that leads to life, reflecting a common theme in Jewish wisdom literature that emphasizes the difficulty and discipline required to follow the path of righteousness.” — ibid.
This research source conveys exactly the proper understanding which shows the ideas of this lesson Jesus taught:
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.” — Matthew 7:13–16, NLT.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30, NLT.
Here’s a child of God that demonstrates what true godliness produces:
