Original Word: εὐλαβής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: eulabés
Pronunciation: yoo-lab-ACE
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-lab-ace')
KJV: devout
NASB: devout
Word Origin: [from G2095 (εὖ - well) and G2983 (λαμβάνω - receive)]

1. (properly) taking hold of well (i.e. a proper grasp)
2. (generally) careful, circumspect
3. (religiously) devout, pious

devout, God-fearing

From eu and lambano; taking well (carefully), i.e. Circumspect (religiously, pious) -- devout.

see GREEK eu

see GREEK lambano

2126 eulabḗs (an adjective, derived from 2095 /eú, "well, good," and 2983 /lambánō, "aggressively lay hold of") – properly, devout (piety), as it reflects what someone personally reveres (holds sacred, venerates).

2126 /eulabḗs ("devout") literally means "taking hold of what is good." It focuses on the outward response someone gives to what they feel is truly worthwhile (worthy of respect).

2126 (eulabēs) is sometimes translated "God-fearing" because it shows a "godly respect" for the things of God. This awe-inspired fear reveres what is sacred, i.e. viewed as deserving personal respect.

Word Origin
from eu and lambanó
Definition
cautious
NASB Translation
devout (4).

STRONGS NT 2126: εὐλαβής

εὐλαβής, ἐυλαβες (εὖ and λαβεῖν), in Greek writings from Plato down;

1. taking hold well, i. e. carefully and surely; cautious.

2. reverencing God, pious, religious (A. V. devout): Acts 2:5; Acts 8:2, (Micah 7:2 (Alex. etc.)); joined with δίκαιος (as in Plato, polit., p. 311 b.): Luke 2:25; εὐλαβής κατά τόν νόμον, Acts 22:12 L T Tr WH. (Cf. references under the word εὐλάβεια, at the end.)

Concept of Devoutness

Strong’s Greek 2126 portrays a life shaped by holy awe—careful in worship, conscientious in obedience, and sincere in affection toward God. Devoutness bridges inward reverence and outward practice; it is not mere ritual, but deliberate, God-honoring attentiveness in thought, word, and deed.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Luke 2:25; Acts 2:5; Acts 8:2; Acts 22:12.

Luke 2:25 – Simeon’s Watchful Reverence

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”

Simeon’s devotion is marked by patient expectancy and Spirit-led sensitivity. His life demonstrates that true piety does not retreat from society; it positions believers to recognize Messiah when He is revealed.

Acts 2:5 – Devout Jews at Pentecost

“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.”

These pilgrims had come for the Feast of Weeks. Their reverent posture toward God prepared them to witness the birth of the church and to carry the gospel back to the nations, showing that devout hearts become strategic conduits for God’s redemptive purposes.

Acts 8:2 – Devout Men at Stephen’s Burial

“God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.”

When persecution erupted, these men risked personal safety to honor a martyr. Their courage underscores that genuine devotion accepts cost and displays compassion even in hostile contexts.

Acts 22:12 – Ananias, a Devout Disciple

“Then a man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the Law and highly regarded by all the Jews living there.”

Ananias embodies devotion rooted in Scripture and expressed in loving obedience. His readiness to minister to Saul, despite Saul’s reputation, illustrates that reverent hearts are quick to follow God’s surprising directives.

Historical Background

In First-Century Judaism “devout” was a valued designation for those who adhered carefully to the Law, practiced prayer, and observed the festivals. The term migrated naturally into the vocabulary of the early church, signaling continuity between Old Testament piety and New Covenant faith. Such individuals often served as the initial bridge between synagogue and church, as seen at Pentecost and in the ministry of Ananias.

Theological Significance

1. Fear of the LORD: Devoutness reflects the Old Testament principle that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
2. Spirit-Enabled Obedience: In Luke and Acts the adjective frequently accompanies the activity of the Holy Spirit, indicating that true reverence is Spirit-initiated and Spirit-sustained.
3. Missional Readiness: Devout believers are portrayed as essential witnesses at key salvation-historical moments, showing that reverence and mission are not mutually exclusive.

Implications for Ministry and Discipleship

• Formation: Churches cultivate devoutness by grounding believers in Scripture, prayer, and sacrificial service.
• Leadership: Those entrusted with shepherding must display the same careful reverence seen in Simeon and Ananias.
• Witness: A reputation for genuine piety, as in Ananias, gives credibility when engaging both religious and secular audiences.
• Suffering: Devoutness equips believers to act faithfully under pressure, whether burying the persecuted or persevering amid cultural hostility.

Related Concepts

Godliness (eusebeia), fear of the LORD, righteousness, holiness, vigilance, worship.

Personal Application

Devoutness invites modern disciples to live watchfully, love sacrificially, and obey promptly. As in Acts, such lives become fertile ground for the Spirit’s work, enabling ordinary believers to participate in extraordinary moments of divine history.

ευλαβεις ευλαβείς εὐλαβεῖς ευλαβης ευλαβής εὐλαβής εὐλαβὴς εύλαλος eulabeis eulabeîs eulabes eulabēs eulabḗs eulabḕsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts