Lexical Summary hosiós: Holy, pious, devout, righteous Original Word: ὅσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance devoutlyAdverb from hosios; piously -- holily. see GREEK hosios HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3743 hosíōs (an adverb, derived from 3741 /hósios, "what is sanctioned by the Lord") – properly, divinely-sanctioned and therefore worthy of reverence (used only in 1 Thes 2:10). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from hosios Definition piously, holily NASB Translation devoutly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3743: ὁσίωςὁσίως (ὅσιος) (from Euripides down), adverb, piously, holily: joined with δικαίως, 1 Thessalonians 2:10 (ἁγνῶς καί ὁσίως καί δικαίως, Theophilus ad Autol. 1, 7). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The adverb derived from the root idea of “holy devotion” portrays conduct that is shaped by covenant faithfulness to God, expressed in visible, practical piety toward both God and neighbor. It emphasizes the quality of life that rises from personal dedication rather than ritual correctness. Usage in the New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:10 contains the word’s sole New Testament occurrence: “You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly, uprightly, and blamelessly we behaved toward you who believe” (Berean Standard Bible). Here Paul appeals to the Thessalonian believers and to God Himself as joint witnesses to the apostolic team’s character. The adverb stands first in a three-fold description (“devoutly, uprightly, blamelessly”), underscoring that every other facet of Christian ethics must grow out of genuine devotion to God. Old Testament and Septuagint Foundations Though the adverb appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its cognate adjective permeates the Septuagint. In Deuteronomy 33:8 it characterizes the devoted service of Levi; in Psalms it often describes those whom God counts as His “holy ones” (for example, Psalm 4:3; Psalm 16:10). This background anchors the New Testament usage in the larger biblical theme that true holiness involves covenant loyalty manifesting itself in concrete actions. Integration in Pauline Holiness Ethic Paul regularly links vertical devotion to God with horizontal integrity before people (for example, 1 Corinthians 4:1–5; 2 Corinthians 1:12). In 1 Thessalonians 2:10 the apostles’ “devout” manner validates their message and models the life they expect of new believers (compare 1 Thessalonians 4:1). The sequence—devoutly before God, uprightly in moral dealings, blamelessly in reputation—shows that sanctification is holistic and observable. Ministry Applications 1. Character witness: Leaders cannot separate message from manner. A life marked by devout reverence secures credibility (1 Timothy 4:12). Historical Reception in the Church Early church writers drew on 1 Thessalonians 2:10 to defend the moral integrity of missionary bishops and presbyters. Medieval commentators contrasted external religiosity with the inner devotion this term conveys. During the Reformation, the verse was cited to insist that justification by faith produces a sanctified lifestyle. Theological Reflections 1. Holiness begins with God’s saving initiative, but it is displayed through the believer’s Spirit-empowered choices (Ephesians 2:10). Related Concepts and Further Study Holiness: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15–16 Integrity: Proverbs 10:9; Titus 2:7–8 Witness of Conduct: Matthew 5:13–16; Philippians 2:14–15 Forms and Transliterations οσιως οσίως ὁσίως hosios hosiōs hosíos hosíōs osios osiōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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