σέβομαι
sebomai
be devout
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word σέβομαι (sebomai) is translated as "be devout." This word is used 10 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in conveying a specific concept. Analyzing the definition, "be devout" suggests a sense of reverence, respect, and piety towards something or someone. This can be towards a deity, a sacred place, or even a person of authority. The word implies a deep sense of awe, humility, and submission. The range of usage for σέβομαι is varied, but it often appears in contexts where individuals are showing respect or reverence towards a higher power or a sacred institution. This suggests that the word is closely tied to the concept of religious or spiritual devotion.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences across the text
And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’ ”
Mark 7:7But they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
Acts 13:43Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.
Acts 16:14A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul.
Acts 17:4Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.
Acts 17:17So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.
Acts 18:7He departed there, and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
Acts 18:13saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
Acts 19:27Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”