Language Studies

Greek Thoughts

EUSEBEIA* - Part 11 - εχηγεομαι (Strong's #1834)
Reverence, piety, godliness

Please note that all Biblical quotes, in this and all other lessons posted to Greek Thoughts, are from The Literal English Translation of the Bible produced by BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America.

This week our study of εὐσὲβεια (Strong's #2150), the Greek word meaning reverence, respect or godliness, is again taken from Paul's writings. As in previous sections of this study, our focus is on εὐσὲβεια as it is used to express reverence from believers toward God. This week's text is 1 Timothy 6:3-11.

In 1 Timothy 3:15, we learn that Paul is writing to instruct Timothy on how he is to conduct himself as a pastor "in the house of God." Paul's instruction, given in chapter 4, is to teach a lifestyle of godliness in respect to the Lord - godliness that comes from exercising the mind with words and teachings that build respect and reverence for the Lord.

In 1 Timothy 6:1-2, Paul continues his instruction to the young pastor by presenting three commands with respect to the believing slave's response to his master. In verse 1, Paul first says that slaves are to consider their own masters worthy of all honor or respect. He then states the purpose for his instruction: that the name and the doctrine of God might not be blasphemed. In verse 2, Paul teaches that believing slaves are not to despise their believing masters, but are rather to serve them, because those being served are believers and beloved. Paul ends this verse by giving two commands: "These things teach and encourage."

In verse 3, Paul begins his warning to Timothy about those who teach anything other than what he has instructed.

1 Timothy 6:3-11

3)

If anyone is teaching differently and is not drawing near to words being healthy, the ones of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching according to godliness (εὐσὲβεια),

4)

he has become conceited, not understanding one thing, but being sick concerning debates and word-wars, from out of which comes envy, strife, blasphemies, evil suspicions,

5)

vain arguments of men having been corrupted as to the mind, and having been deprived of the truth, while supposing gain to be godliness; be continually withdrawing from such ones.

In verses 3-5, Paul warns Timothy to continually withdraw himself from those who teach
differently, from those who are not drawing near to sound or healthy words, and whose doctrine does not adhere to the teaching which is according to godliness. The word "godliness" is our word of study. In this text, Paul is concerned about teachings that would encourage slaves to complain about injustice and incite them to assert their rights, instead of promoting respect and reverence toward the Lord. According to Paul, reverence toward the Lord is accomplished by conducting one's life in such as way as to not bring any blasphemy to the name of God and His doctrine.

Paul describes those who teach doctrine that is without respect for the things of the Lord as "having become conceited." He gives two reasons as to why they have become conceited: not understanding, and being sick. First he states that those who teach something different from what he teaches as not understanding one thing. Second, Paul describes them as being sick concerning debates and as being involved in word-wars. Paul then says that envy, strife, harmful words, evil suspicions, and vain arguments come from men whose minds have been corrupted and have been deprived of the truth, while at the same time supposing or presuming that material, physical gain is godliness. Paul tells Timothy, "Be continually withdrawing yourself from such ones."

6)

Now great gain is godliness with contentment.

7)

For we brought not one thing into the world, it is clear that neither are we able to bring anything out;

8)

but having nourishment and coverings, with these we will be satisfied.

Teaching against the popular notion that material, physical gain is inherent in godliness, Paul tells Timothy what great gain actually is: godliness with contentment. He gives the reason for this as being the fact that we did not bring anything into this world, nor are we able to bring anything out of it. He writes that having nourishment and coverings—the Greek word for "coverings" is σκὲπασμα (Strong's #4629), which expresses both clothing and shelter— is to satisfy the believer. Paul then describes those who follow the philosophy that material gain is godliness:

9)

But the ones intending to be rich are falling into temptation and a trap and many unwise and harmful desires, which are sinking men into ruin and destruction.

10)

For the love of money is a root of all evils, which some, while aspiring after, were led astray from the faith, and pierced themselves with many pains.

11)

But you, O man of God, be continually fleeing these things; and be continually pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, openness.

Paul ends this section by exhorting Timothy to flee the philosophy that material gain is godliness, because it is a trap with those following it being led astray from the faith and pierced through with many pains. He directs Timothy to pursue "righteousness, godliness (εὐσὲβεια), faith, love, endurance, and openness or receptivity.

Paul teaches Timothy that godliness is to live free of selfish concern - both in the House of God and in relation to the things of the world - having instead an attitude of respect and reverence toward the Lord as expressed in conduct representing, without blemish, the name of God and His doctrine or teaching.

Next week we will conclude our study of εὐσὲβεια from I1Timothy 3.

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