Topical Bible: Godly

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "godly" refers to a manner of living that reflects the character and nature of God as revealed in the Scriptures. It encompasses attitudes, behaviors, and actions that are in alignment with God's will and purpose. The concept of godliness is central to the Christian faith, as believers are called to emulate the holiness and righteousness of God in their daily lives.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of godliness. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "godly" is "chasid," which denotes kindness, piety, and devotion to God. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eusebeia" is used, which conveys reverence and respect towards God, manifesting in a life that honors Him.

Key Scriptures

1. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 : "But reject irreverent and silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." This passage highlights the enduring value of godliness, contrasting it with temporary physical pursuits.

2. 2 Peter 1:3 : "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." Here, godliness is presented as attainable through divine empowerment and knowledge of God.

3. Titus 2:11-12 : "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." This passage underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which teaches believers to live godly lives.

Characteristics of Godliness

Godliness is characterized by a deep reverence for God and a commitment to living according to His commandments. It involves:

· Holiness: A separation from sin and dedication to God's purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16).
· Righteousness: Living in a manner that is just and upright, reflecting God's moral standards (Proverbs 21:21).
· Love: Demonstrating selfless love towards God and others, as love is the fulfillment of the law (1 John 4:7-8).
· Humility: Recognizing one's dependence on God and submitting to His will (James 4:10).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in cultivating godliness within believers. Through the Spirit's indwelling presence, Christians are empowered to overcome sin and grow in Christlikeness. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes attributes that are essential to a godly life, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Godliness in Practice

Practically, godliness is expressed through regular prayer, study of the Scriptures, worship, and service to others. It involves a continual process of spiritual growth and transformation, as believers seek to align their lives more closely with God's will. The pursuit of godliness is not merely an individual endeavor but is fostered within the community of faith, where believers encourage and hold one another accountable.

Challenges to Godliness

In a world that often promotes values contrary to those of the Kingdom of God, maintaining a godly life can be challenging. Believers are called to resist the temptations of the flesh and the influences of secular culture, standing firm in their faith and commitment to God's truth. The apostle Paul warns of those who have "a form of godliness but deny its power" (2 Timothy 3:5), urging Christians to be discerning and steadfast.

Eternal Perspective

Godliness holds promise not only for this life but also for the life to come. It is a reflection of the eternal nature of God's kingdom and a preparation for the believer's ultimate destiny with Him. As such, the pursuit of godliness is a lifelong journey, marked by continual reliance on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

ATS Bible Dictionary

Godly

That which proceeds from God, and is pleasing to him. It also signifies conformity to his will, and an assimilation to his character, Psalm 12:1 Malachi 2:15 2 1 Corinthians 1:2 Titus 2:12. Godliness is the substance of revealed religion, 1 Timothy 3:16 4:8 2 Peter 1:6.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) Pious; reverencing God, and his character and laws; obedient to the commands of God from love for, and reverence of, his character; conformed to God's law; devout; righteous; as, a godly life.

2. (adv.) Piously; devoutly; righteously.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

GODLINESS; GODLY

god'-li-nes, god'-li (eusebeia, eusebes, eusebos): In the Old Testament the word rendered "godly" in Psalm 4:3; Psalm 32:6 (chacidh) is literally, "kind," then "pious" (the Revised Version, margin renders it in the former passage, "one that he favoreth"). Sometimes in both the Old Testament and the New Testament a periphrasis is employed, "of God," "according to God" (e.g. "godly sorrow," 2 Corinthians 7:10). Godliness, as denoting character and conduct determined by the principle of love or fear of God in the heart, is the summing up of genuine religion. There can be no true religion without it: only a dead "form" (2 Timothy 3:5). The term is a favorite one in the Pastoral Epistles. The incarnation is "the mystery of godliness" (1 Timothy 3:16).

James Orr

Greek

1719. emphobos -- terrible, in fear (used of godly fear)
... terrible, in fear (used of godly fear). Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration:
emphobos Phonetic Spelling: (em'-fob-os) Short Definition: full of fear ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1719.htm - 7k

2153. eusebos -- piously
... Word Origin adverb from eusebes Definition piously NASB Word Usage godly (2). godly.
Adverb from eusebes; piously -- godly. see GREEK eusebes. 2152, 2153. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2153.htm - 6k

2316. theos -- God, a god
... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition God, a god NASB Word Usage divinely
(1), God (1267), god (6), God's (27), God-fearing (1), godly (2), godly* (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2316.htm - 7k

2152. eusebes -- pious
... See 2150 (). Word Origin from eu and sebo Definition pious NASB Word Usage
devout (1), devout man (1), godly (1). devout, godly. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2152.htm - 7k

2596. kata -- down, against, according to
... 2), conforming (1), contrary (1), daily* (10), down (4), each (2), effect (1), every
(10), every* (1), exactly* (1), excessively* (1), godly* (1), how* (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2596.htm - 9k

2124. eulabeia -- caution
... Cognate: 2124 (from 2126 , "reverent, godly fear") -- properly, "a taking hold of
what God calls good"; "holy caution," inducing behavior. See 2126 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2124.htm - 7k

2150. eusebeia -- piety
... 2150 (from 2095 "well" and 4576 , "venerate, pay homage") -- properly, someone's
inner response to the things of God which shows itself in godly (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2150.htm - 7k

3741. hosios -- righteous, pious, holy
... holy. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hosios Phonetic Spelling:
(hos'-ee-os) Short Definition: holy, pious Definition: holy, pious, godly, beloved ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3741.htm - 7k

2317. theosebeia -- fear of God
... piety. Cognate: 2317 -- properly, God-fearing (veneration); godly respect,
reverence (used only in 1 Tim 2:10). See 2318 (). Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2317.htm - 6k

516. axios -- worthily
... worthily. Adverb from axios; appropriately -- as becometh, after a godly sort,
worthily(-thy). see GREEK axios. (axios) -- 6 Occurrences. 515, 516. axios. 517 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/516.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

2623. chasid -- kind, pious
... Word Origin from chasad Definition kind, pious NASB Word Usage godly (2), godly
man (3), godly ones (20), godly person (1), gracious (1), Holy One (1), kind (3 ...
/hebrew/2623.htm - 6k

430. elohim -- God, god
... of eloah Definition God, god NASB Word Usage divine (1), divine being (1), exceedingly
(1), God (2326), god (45), God's (14), goddess (2), godly (1), gods (204 ...
/hebrew/430.htm - 6k

Library

Godly Living.
... GODLY LIVING. ... Likewise, when some one is spoken of as living a godly life, it is
meant that he lives in a godly manner, or in a manner like God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/godly living.htm

God and the Godly
... VOLUME II: PSALMS LI to CXLV GOD AND THE GODLY. ... The general idea that runs
through them is the likeness of the godly man to God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/god and the godly.htm

A Godly Reformation
... THE SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLES A GODLY REFORMATION. 'Hezekiah began to reign
when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a godly reformation.htm

The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
... The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity. A Sermon (No.985). Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,.
At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "Will he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the touchstone of godly sincerity.htm

The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
... 3. The godly are in some sense already blessed. I proceed now to the second aphorism
or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/3 the godly are in.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents. ... Dear son, if thou hast a godly father believe
that the religion upon which he has fixed his faith is true. ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Godly Sorrow Arising from the Sufferings of Christ.
... Hymns. Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:9. Godly sorrow arising
from the sufferings of Christ. 1 Alas! and did my Saviour ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 2 9 godly sorrow arising.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence. A sermon (No.1290) delivered at the
Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by CH Spurgeon. "In ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

How Albinus Succeeded to the Godly Abbot Hadrian, and Acca to ...
... BOOK V CHAP. XX. How Albinus succeeded to the godly Abbot Hadrian, and
Acca to Bishop Wilfrid. [709 AD]. THE next year after the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xx how albinus succeeded.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of; but the
sorrow of the world worketh death. ... They sorrowed after a godly sort. ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

Thesaurus

Godly (50 Occurrences)
... character and laws; obedient to the commands of God from love for, and reverence
of, his character; conformed to God's law; devout; righteous; as, a godly life ...
/g/godly.htm - 21k

Godliness (16 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) Careful observance of, or conformity to, the laws
of God; the state or quality of being godly; piety. Int. ... GODLINESS; GODLY. ...
/g/godliness.htm - 12k

Sort (143 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:9 I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made
sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye ...
/s/sort.htm - 36k

Nephthar
... Latin, Nephi; Swete, following Codex Alexandrinus, gives Nephthar twice): According
to 2 Maccabees 1:19-36, at the time of the captivity the godly priests took ...
/n/nephthar.htm - 8k

Nephthai
... Latin, Nephi; Swete, following Codex Alexandrinus, gives Nephthar twice): According
to 2 Maccabees 1:19-36, at the time of the captivity the godly priests took ...
/n/nephthai.htm - 8k

Poor (276 Occurrences)
... 3. The Godly Poor: The chief words given above all mean poor, literally, but `ani
(rendered also "afflicted") may also denote Israel as a nation in its ...
/p/poor.htm - 60k

Sorry (27 Occurrences)
... to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer
loss by us in nothing. (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NIV). 2 ...
/s/sorry.htm - 14k

Sorrowed (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed
to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might ...
/s/sorrowed.htm - 7k

Simplicity (12 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) "liberality," margin "Greek: `singleness' ";
2 Corinthians 1:12, "in simplicit and godly sincerity," the Revised ...
/s/simplicity.htm - 13k

Fear (970 Occurrences)
... translated (Hebrews 5:7) "(of Christ) who was heard in that he feared," the Revised
Version (British and American) "having been heard for his godly fear"; so ...
/f/fear.htm - 50k

Resources

What does it mean to be a godly mother? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be a godly wife? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.org

Godly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Godly (50 Occurrences)

John 9:31
and we have known that God doth not hear sinners, but, if any one may be a worshipper of God, and may do His will, him He doth hear;
(See NIV)

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
(KJV WBS NAS RSV)

2 Corinthians 7:9
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS RSV)

2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 7:11
For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS NIV)

1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
(KJV WBS)

1 Timothy 2:2
For kings and all those in authority; so that we may have a calm and quiet life in all fear of God and serious behaviour.
(See RSV)

1 Timothy 2:10
but -- which becometh women professing godly piety -- through good works.
(YLT)

1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.
(See NIV)

1 Timothy 6:3
So teach and exhort. If any one is a teacher of any other kind of doctrine, and refuses assent to wholesome instructions--those of our Lord Jesus Christ--and the teaching that harmonizes with true godliness,
(See NIV)

2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 2:12
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;
(WEB KJV ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Hebrews 5:7
He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
(WEB ASV RSV)

Hebrews 11:7
By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
(WEB ASV)

Hebrews 12:28
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
(KJV WEY WBS)

1 Peter 4:6
For it is with this end in view that the Good News was proclaimed even to some who were dead, that they may be judged, as all mankind will be judged, in the body, but may be living a godly life in the spirit.
(WEY)

2 Peter 2:9
the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment;
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 3:11
Since all these things are thus pre-destined to dissolution, what sort of men ought you to be found to be in all holy living and godly conduct,
(WEY NIV)

3 John 1:6
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
(KJV WBS)

Deuteronomy 33:8
Of Levi he said, "Your Thummim and your Urim are with your godly one, whom you proved at Massah, with whom you strove at the waters of Meribah;
(WEB ASV DBY NAS RSV)

1 Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for no man shall prevail by strength.
(See NAS)

2 Chronicles 6:41
Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into Thy resting-place, Thou, and the ark of Thy strength; let Thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let Thy saints rejoice in good.
(See NAS)

Psalms 4:3
But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 12:1
For the Chief Musician; upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of David. Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 16:10
For thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; Neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption.
(See JPS RSV)

Psalms 30:4
Sing praise unto Jehovah, O ye saints of his, And give thanks to his holy memorial name.
(See JPS NAS)

Psalms 31:23
Oh love Jehovah, all ye his saints: Jehovah preserveth the faithful, And plentifully rewardeth him that dealeth proudly.
(See JPS NAS)

Psalms 32:6
For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 37:28
For Yahweh loves justice, and doesn't forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
(See NAS)

Psalms 50:5
Gather unto me my godly ones, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice!
(DBY NAS)

Psalms 52:1
To the Overseer. -- An instruction, by David, in the coming in of Doeg the Edomite, and he declareth to Saul, and saith to him, 'David came in unto the house of Ahimelech.' What, boasteth thou in evil, O mighty one? The kindness of God 'is' all the day.
(See RSV)

Psalms 52:9
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it; and I will wait on thy name, before thy godly ones, for it is good.
(DBY NAS RSV)

Psalms 79:2
They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth.
(See NAS)

Psalms 85:8
I will hear what ?God, Jehovah, will speak; for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his godly ones: but let them not turn again to folly.
(DBY NAS)

Psalms 86:2
Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Psalms 89:19
Then thou spakest in vision to thy saints, And saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
(See JPS NAS)

Psalms 97:10
You who love Yahweh, hate evil. He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
(See NAS)

Psalms 116:15
Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints.
(See NAS)

Psalms 132:9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; and let your saints give cries of joy.
(See NAS)

Psalms 132:16
Her priests will be clothed with salvation; and her saints will give cries of joy.
(See NAS)

Psalms 145:10
All the works of your hands give praise to you, O Lord; and your saints give you blessing.
(See NAS)

Psalms 148:14
He has put on high the horn of his people, for the praise of all his saints; even the children of Israel, a people which is near to him. Let the Lord be praised.
(See NAS)

Psalms 149:1
Hallelujah! Sing unto Jehovah a new song; sing his praise in the congregation of the godly.
(DBY NAS)

Psalms 149:5
Let the godly exult in glory; let them shout for joy upon their beds.
(DBY NAS)

Psalms 149:9
To give them the punishment which is in the holy writings: this honour is given to all his saints. Praise be to the Lord.
(See NAS)

Proverbs 2:8
guarding the paths of just judgment and keeping the way of his godly ones.
(DBY JPS NAS)

Isaiah 57:1
The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
(See JPS)

Micah 7:2
The godly man has perished out of the earth, and there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; every man hunts his brother with a net.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Malachi 2:15
Did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Godly

Godly Living

Related Terms

Godliness (16 Occurrences)

Sort (143 Occurrences)

Nephthar

Nephthai

Poor (276 Occurrences)

Sorry (27 Occurrences)

Sorrowed (3 Occurrences)

Simplicity (12 Occurrences)