σέβομαι

From the study of Matthew 15:9

Range of meaning

To feel or show awe and reverence, to honor, to worship, to be devout. The root seb- gives eusebeia ('piety, godliness'). In Greek it is used of reverence for gods, and also for parents and sacred things. It names a posture of devotion more than a particular ritual act.

Against the English

English 'worship' now often means a church service or the music in it. Sebomai is wider: the whole visible practice of piety, including observance, honoring, and religious scrupulousness.

How it drifted

In modern church usage 'worship' has narrowed toward liturgy and singing. The Greek word, and the Hebrew behind Isaiah ('their fear of me'), means reverence shown across a whole life of observance.

Used elsewhere in the period

In Acts, hoi sebomenoi (ton theon), 'the devout' or 'God-fearers', are Gentiles who revere Israel's God (Acts 13:43, 50; 16:14 Lydia; 17:4, 17; 18:7). Acts 18:13 uses it for worshiping God 'contrary to the law', and Acts 19:27 for the worship of Artemis. The Septuagint uses it to render Isaiah's 'fear of me'.

From the study of Acts 16:14

Range of meaning

The verb σέβομαι means to revere, show reverence to, or worship a deity. In Acts the participle with "God" (σεβόμενοι τὸν θεόν, or just οἱ σεβόμενοι) works as a near-technical label. It marks non-Jews who worshiped Israel's God, attended the synagogue or prayer gathering, and kept some Jewish practices without being circumcised or fully converting (Acts 13:43, 50; 16:14; 17:4, 17; 18:7). A closely related label is φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν, "those who fear God" (Acts 10:2, 22; 13:16, 26).

Against the English

"Worshiped God" (KJV, WEB) and "a worshiper of God" (BSB) are accurate in their words. A modern reader, though, hears a general statement that she was religious or already a believer. A first-century reader would hear a category: a Gentile adherent of the Jewish community.

How it drifted

The social category of Gentile "God-fearers" disappeared once Christianity and Judaism separated, so the phrase now reads as generic piety.

Used elsewhere in the period

Josephus, Antiquities 14.110, speaks of wealth sent to the Jerusalem Temple by Jews "and those who worship God" (σεβομένων τὸν θεόν) across Asia and Europe. An inscription from Aphrodisias in Asia Minor (probably 3rd–4th century AD) lists Jewish donors and, separately, a group called θεοσεβεῖς ("God-worshipers") with Gentile names, some of them town councillors. In 1981 A. T. Kraabel argued that the God-fearers were largely Luke's own creation. The Aphrodisias evidence and other inscriptions have led most scholars to accept that such sympathizers existed, though how fixed the term was is still debated.

From the study of Acts 13:43

Range of meaning

To revere, worship, show religious respect. In Acts the participle hoi sebomenoi ('the worshipping ones'), often with 'God', is used for non-Jews attached to the synagogue.

Against the English

'Devout' (BSB, WEB, YLT), 'religious' (KJV), 'God-fearing' (NASB). 'Devout' makes it sound like a description of personal piety. Elsewhere in Acts it works more like a category label.

Used elsewhere in the period

Acts 13:50 (devout women of high standing), 16:14 (Lydia), 17:4 and 17:17 (Thessalonica and Athens), 18:7 (Titius Justus). Josephus mentions worshippers of God (sebomenoi ton theon) who sent gifts to the Jerusalem Temple (Antiquities 14.110). An inscription from Aphrodisias (date debated, perhaps 3rd–5th century AD) lists theosebeis ('God-worshippers') separately from Jews and proselytes.