Are You Devout?
But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 2 Timothy 2:16 NASB
Ungodliness – The Greek word asebeia is translated as “ungodliness.” It comes from the root sebomai which means “reverence” or “worship.” It is found most often in the Greek world as eusebeia, a word that refers to general reverence toward the gods, rulers, judges and even cultic objects. It is about respect for what is considered divine. But this word isn’t found at all in the LXX and, with a few exceptions, it isn’t used in the apostolic writings to describe faithfulness toward the Messiah or toward the Hebraic way of life. Only Paul (in some letters) and Peter use the word with regard to self-control and godly living. When Paul employs the negative term, a + sebeia), he expects the reader to know that the word means living in a manner that transgress the will of God. In other words, living without following God’s commandments.
This raises a few questions. First, why isn’t the word found in the LXX and why is it so rare in the apostolic writings? The answer is its usual connection with Greek culture. Since the word is typically understood as reverence for all divine authority, it steers the listener away from the exclusivity of YHVH. But there is more. The second question is pertinent to this particular verse. What does Paul have in mind when he uses this word? That answer is found in the connection between irreverence and YHVH’s instructions. asebeia is generally a word describing contempt for authority and order. While its opposite is not found in the LXX, asebeia is common in the LXX and is used to describe anything in attitude or action that transgresses Torah. But the opposite of asebeia in Hebrew thought is not eusebeia. It is dikaios, righteousness. Now we know why eusebeia is rare but asebeia isn’t. Hebrew thinking is about obedience and righteousness, disobedience and lawlessness. Greek thinking is about respect and piety, disrespect and impiety. Our contemporary meanings of piety/impiety are not the same as the meanings found in the biblical world. Hebrew thought circles around Torah, not around reverence for the divine, especially when divinity could be attributed to men and gods. When asebeia is translated as “ungodliness,” its essential connection to Torah is obscured. Paul is not saying that loose talk will lead to impiety (lack of reverence). He is saying that speech that does not uphold the sacred will lead to further Torah disobedience. You become what you say.
Today we think of devout as a description of proper reverence. Paul would not have thought this. His idea of devout is obedience. Reverence is simply the by-product of proper actions. Today we think someone who steadfastly believes in God, faithfully goes to church, tithes, is genuinely respectful and compassionate, and is zealous is devout. Paul would ask, “Does he keep Torah?” Eusebeia is not an indicator of dikaios. Living a religious life is not the same as obeying the will of God. Today it is quite possible to be devout and ungodly.
Topical Index: devout, ungodliness, asebeia, eusebeia, dikaios, law, righteousness, 2 Timothy 2:16
Law and order. We like to believe that, on this planet, there exists a ‘natural’ correlation between those two. And, traditionally, in the U.S. up until now, anyway, we have enjoyed a rather high correspondence for sure. When the laws of the land establish clear pathways for love, and to the extent that they do, order can follow.
But, mischief can also be “framed with a law”, too. Not for nothing did the ancient world believe that the gods were capricious and could not be consistently obeyed. Not for nothing did people have to constantly seek to find the particular will of the gods for every aspect of their lives, and spend the other half of their time seeking to appease the expected anger of the gods at infractions. People who grew up in homes where clear, consistent boundaries were set and where consequences for actions were likewise clear and consistent probably cannot understand or appreciate a world where the expectations of authority were established on nothing more than the emotional and capricious whims of uncaring, narcissistic, even malicious powers that be who were essentially LAWLESS themselves. The Persians established a precedent for order that, other than the Hebrews, I suppose, was unheard of in the ancient world, in that the king was subject to the law of the land – even if that law was something that he made up – and also could not reverse his decisions. This factor alone, even if nothing else made any consistent sense, would make such a difference in homes and nations that are currently being ruled by the emotional, selfish whims of people who refuse to take the responsibility (order) that is supposed to be inherent in the authority (law) that they represent. No, ask any child in a home ruled by alcohol, say, if law and order ‘naturally’ can be found together, and they will probably look at you funny.
Reverence for authority can also cover any aspect that authority represents, even if it represents capriciousness, maliciousness, or whimsy. All you have to do is rubber stamp wherever the powers that be are at at the moment, even if they are in the opposite place that they were yesterday. OBEDIENCE, on the other hand, carries the idea that there is an order (law) built in to the expectations of authority that they themselves are subject to. In a world or universe where ORDER prevails, the authority at the top is the first citizen in that they are obeying, too. The idea that there is actually a God that follows His own order (obedience) is an idea that still cannot be found perfectly duplicated on this planet, anyway, to this day. Yeshua followed what He saw His Father do, and was “obedient unto death”. That is what the law and order of heaven looks like. That is what mercy and truth, righteousness and peace look like when they kiss each other. That is what reverence looks like when it has an order (law) to be obedient to. This is the reason that His Name is to be praised above all other names. This is my Lord and my God. Halleluah!
(I apologize for being so long)
Wow! That last statement ” We can still be devout and ungodly” struck me. Made me truly examine myself because I’ve been religiously devout but not always obedient, never occurred to me ungodly? No not me, those other people who really are out there not living right. I go to church, I tithe, I steadfastly believe in God! But do you keep Torah? Are you truly in the will of YHVH? Wow! Just so eye opening, thanks YHVH for more revelation of your word!
I have to admit, this is still fuzzy to me. But I am open to all that YHVH has to show me through Torah. Part of the problem is discerning because there is conflicting view everywhere.. Thank you Skip and everyone else for sharing.. Love and Shalom to all..
Yeshua and some of the apostles elaborated on two spirits in the world. Light and darkness. John came in his introduction note claiming that the word – light came into the world but the darkness comprehended it not.
How many times am I reminded that Torah is YHVH word which is the light that enters my thoughts. But I love the darkness more. Devout no, ungodly maybe but definitely lacking knowledge… Was it not Amos that prophesied that we are lost because of lack of knowledge…
By not placing a guard before my mouth and a door to my ear I will easily be led astray by all the careless indoctrinations instead of investigating all and cling to the good I am informed of…
The beginning of the end. Hear and do… Listen and learn. Ask and receive… Without this I am devoted to my inquiry but void in my knowledge…
Ungodly should maybe be read dead, separated from YHVH as that is what I am becoming because I do not… Matt 25 I know you not…
Seeker, NO, ACTUALLY IT WAS NOT AMOS WHO CONTAINS THE VERSE YOU SPOKE OF ABOVE, BUT ANOTHER BOOK, HOSEA IN CHAPTER 4 VERSE 6. THE TWO AUTHORS WERE CONTEMPORARIES. However; used in very different ways. Amos was a man from the “flock and sycamore -fig groves” (792-740 B.C.)
” Amos was a vigorous spokesman for God’s justice and righteousness. Prosperity increased Israel’s religious, and moral corruption. God’s past punishments for unfaithfulness were forgotten, and His patience was at an end; which he sent Amos to announce.” The NIV STUDY BIBLE
All this study that Skip is presenting is so interesting, and also seemingly so on target for all of us.
In church-world, the word ‘godly’ is thrown around ad nauseam. In fact, I am to the point where I am not even sure I know what a person means by: “he is a godly man” or “she is a godly women”. When I observe their actions, lifestyles, community involvement, Facebook posts and ‘likes” and political agenda, I find myself knee-deep in a mire of confusion and disbelief. If “godly” is conforming to the laws and wishes of God, there is a gross misapplication of the term in my Christian world. In fact, at times, it seems to me our faith could easily be labeled “Oxymoronity”, if such a word exists. At times, I want to latch hold of this so-called pious creature and say “How can you claim to be ‘godly’ and support the things you do and say?” It’s quite easy to appear to be devout and yet be ungodly. Sad commentary, but none the less evident.
All of my family and many friends here in the UK are Christians some no doubt ‘devout’ – I love them all but every time we meet or run into each other our words are guarded. Why? We go out of our way to be kind and understanding in every sense of the words meanings. We talk about the world, Brexit, Christian martyrdom, ISIS and Donald Trump and with some…. Israel. We do not however talk about YHWH, Torah, Sabbath or the appointed times – if it is broached it causes stares, sighs and statements like ‘why have you gone back under the law!’ Continuing with ‘we are under grace we can eat anything’ or ‘why are you so cut off from church’ or ‘whose your mentor, authority, pastor’ etc etc. It amazes me how locked people are into what they know and believe to be true even when one gently challenges their view with the undisputable word or recounting ones own journey out of Christendom into Torah after being challenged!
So we politely steer clear….. With the refrains of……. ‘ let’s agree to disagree or I don’t want to have this conversation or your in bondage and ……..so I pray for revelation for each and all every day and believe one day we will talk, truly talk…..saying, like David ‘how we love your Torah’ and the words of Psalm 119:13-16. Meantime I thank YHWH for showing me how to walk on broken glass and love ….even when at times I want to shout ‘please please wake up’!
May I now steal a moment to tell you of a miracle that happened this last Sunday. My husband was reunited with his daughter 22 yrs old not seen each other in 11 years. Without going into details I can only tell you it was truly a miracle – we have prayed ceaselessly every morning for five years for reconciliation. YHWH is faithful and truly heals the broken-hearted Haile looks and sounds like a different man these last three days – he returned to his country with photos to share and rejoice. May it encourage any of you with similar stories to keep reminding Yah of his promises, arguing your case as I did – I had never met her and yet Yah put this intercession in me!!!! Amazing and even more amazing that we reaped the result and gained a daughter!
I am on my journey of seeking YHVH’s truth. Wanting and trying to walk the path of righteousness. I now am beginning to see people around me who believe in God, but seem to have so little understanding. Sad, but for me, may I never put YHVH or Yeshua in a box. Also for anyone experiencing God, praise Him. May their joy be everlasting.
Sends shock waves through me whenever I see some one faithfully attending church, even in Hebrew Roots movement folks having yet a foot in Hellenistic mindsets, proclaiming they are ready for the Messiah’s return! These would term themselves as ‘holy’/ ‘Godly’, but some are not keeping YHWH’s dietary commands, some presume they are keeping sabbath, though only for half a day, -a rest day to do whatever they desire, catch up with sports programs on telly etc.., when it is such an opportunity to study, fellowship and gather together to sharpen / challenge each other in righteousness and humility.
Devout but sadly, still missing the mark.
Thank you for correction. Yes we gain so much by reading comments and personalize our response… Gaining not only knowledge but also some wisdom.