Piety: Is It Biblical?


The word ‘piety’ (pious) is a virtuous characteristic that followers of Jesus Christ should strive for, contrary to popular belief that piety or being ‘pious’ is a negative trait.  God’s Word has something to say about twisting good for evil…

Isaiah 5:20  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!


PIETY


But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety (G2151) at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.  (1 Timothy 5:4) 

The Greek word for piety is:

 usebeō  (yoo-seb-eh'-o)  G2151 

From G2152; to be pious, that is, (towards God) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support): - show piety, worship.


eusebēs (yoo-seb-ace')  G2152

From G2095 and G4576; well reverent, that is, pious: - devout, godly.


The dictionary depicts piety as meaning:


1. reverence for God or devout fulfillment of religious obligations
2. the quality or state of being pious
3. dutiful respect or regard for parents, homeland, etc
4. a pious act, remark, belief, or the like 


The word piety comes from the Latin word pietas, the noun form of the adjective pius (which means "devout" or "good”)


PIOUS

JM Latin English Dictionary
conscientious; upright; faithful; patriotic/dutiful| respectful; rightous; good

|affectionate| tender| devoted| loyal (to family); pious| devout; holy| godly



Latin English Dictionary (AZAD)
pious, dutiful, compassionate, respectful, gracious.


Latin-English Online Dictionary
dutiful, godly, holy, upright, kind, honest 



Synonyms for piety:
 
devotion, faith, godliness, holiness, morality, pietism,  righteousness, worship                  

      

It is clear to see through the root words and definitions that being pious and showing piety are something a Christian should portray. The next time you are called pious, thank the Lord because your fruit is visible.

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