Greek Word Study | 2150: godliness (eusebeia)

Eusebeia is noun used 15 times in the NT.

In 1 Timothy 6:11, eusebeia is translated as 

• godliness (CSB)
• a godly life (NLT)
• godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike) (AMP)
• piety (Expanded Bible)
• Christ-likeness (Phillips)

The Complete Word Study Dictionary says eusebeia comes from the Greek word eusebes (2152), an adjective which is a compound word of eu (2095), which means well, and sebomai (4576), which means to revere.  Eusebes (2152) means reverent, pious, devout, godly.  The noun eusebeias means "[d]evotion, piety toward God (Acts 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:6, 7). Godliness or the whole of true religion, so named because piety toward God is the foundation and principal part of it (1 Tim. 4:7, 8; 6:6, see Matt. 22:37, 38; Heb. 11:6). Although eusébeia in the NT is translated “godliness” (1 Tim. 2:2; 3:16; 4:7, 8; 6:3, 5, 6, 11; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:3, 6, 7; 3:11), the word “God” is not in it. Only in 1 Tim. 2:10 is it theosébeia (2317), where the word Theós (2316), God, occurs as a prefix instead of eú, good or well. The word eusébeia literally means well–directed reverence, but does not imply an inward, inherent holiness. It is actually an externalized piety. Paul uses it only in the pastoral epistles."  It goes on to say, "Therefore, eusébeia, the demonstration of a good and worshipful attitude toward God when spoken of the Christian, is the proper attitude of reverence toward God akin to hagiótēs (41), holiness, sanctity."  "When eusébeia is applied to the Christian life, it denotes a life that is acceptable to Christ, indicating the proper attitude of the believer toward Christ who has saved him. It is both an attitude and a manner of life."

Vine's says eusebeia "denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him."  

The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words says it denotes "devotion to God characterized by a life of conformity to his will, or godly living."

Richard Swenson says, "Godliness is an attitude whereby what we want is to please God."  Margin, p. 153.

In his commentary on 2 Peter, William Barclay defines godliness is practical religion.

The NIV Study Bible (2 Pt 1:3) defines godliness as "a genuine reverence toward God that governs one's attitude toward every aspect of life."  In 2 Pt 3:11 it defines it as being "devoted to the worship and service of God."

In 1 Tim 6:6, the Life Application Study Bible defines godliness as honoring God and centering our desires on Him.

The MacArthur Study Bible (2 Pt 1:3) defines godliness as living reverently, loyally, and obediently toward God.

Charles Stanley defines godliness as "a life no longer seeking satisfaction through a sinful lifestyle, but is now surrendered to God and His will for your life."

In his book The Practice of Godliness, Jerry Bridges points to the life of Enoch to define godliness.  Genesis 5:24 says, "Enoch walked with God...."  Hebrews 11:5 says Enoch "was approved as one who pleased God."  Godliness is a close relationship with God that results in a life that is pleasing to Him.  Or, "godliness can be defined as devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him." Bridges goes on to say that devotion is an attitude, not an activity.  This attitude is composed of three essential elements:

1. the fear of God: 
2. the love of God
3. the desire for God