Strong’s Greek 2318 depicts a person whose life is marked by reverence and devotion toward the living God. The term conveys more than outward ritual; it speaks of an inner orientation that honors God as holy and acts in obedience to His revealed will.

Biblical Occurrence

John 9:31 is the lone New Testament occurrence: “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the godly person who does His will” (Berean Standard Bible). The healed man contrasts two kinds of people—“sinners” who live in rebellion and the “godly” who fear God and practice His will. His simple testimony exposes the spiritual blindness of the religious elite and underlines an Old Testament principle: divine responsiveness is linked to a heart that honors the Lord (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:29).

Theological Significance

1. Character of Saving Faith: The word stresses that authentic faith bears the fruit of obedient reverence (James 2:17-18).
2. Prayer and Divine Hearing: Scripture consistently joins a God-fearing life with answered prayer (Psalm 145:19; 1 Peter 3:12). John 9:31 distills that pattern into a single verse.
3. Moral Polarity: By placing “godly person” over against “sinner,” the passage reminds readers that neutrality before God does not exist; one is either submissive or resistant to His will (John 3:36).

Historical Background of “God-fearers”

In the Second Temple era many Gentiles attached themselves to Jewish synagogues without full conversion. They were commonly called “God-fearers” (Acts 10:2; Acts 13:16; Acts 17:4). Although a different Greek expression is used in Acts, the shared idea illuminates John 9:31: genuine reverence for Israel’s God demands ethical change, not mere ritual compliance. Such historical usage shows that early Christian proclamation resonated with people already primed to honor the one true God, preparing the way for the gospel among the nations.

Implications for Prayer and Worship

• God’s receptivity is moral, not mechanical. Formulaic prayers lack power without a life aligned to His will (Isaiah 1:15-17).
• Reverence must be coupled with obedience; the one “who does His will” enjoys intimate access (John 15:7).
• Worship gatherings should cultivate holy fear, encouraging repentance where needed so that communal prayer is not hindered (Acts 2:42-43).

Relation to Other Biblical Themes

• Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and the mark of the early church (Acts 9:31).
• Godliness is inseparable from love (1 John 5:2-3) and good works (Titus 2:11-14).
• The motif anticipates eschatological reward: “Blessed are those who wash their robes… that they may enter the city” (Revelation 22:14).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Discipleship: Measure maturity not only by doctrinal accuracy but by reverent obedience.
2. Evangelism: Emphasize that saving faith transforms the heart, producing a life God hears.
3. Pastoral Counseling: When prayer seems unanswered, lovingly explore areas where godliness needs to grow (Psalm 66:18).
4. Corporate Worship: Shape liturgy and music to foster awe, reminding congregations that God draws near to the contrite (Isaiah 57:15).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2318 encapsulates the essence of a life that fears God and aligns with His purposes. Though used only once in the New Testament, it crystallizes a sweeping biblical truth: the Lord turns His ear toward those who honor Him and walk in His ways, and He remains distant from hearts that persist in sin. Such godly fear is both the root and the evidence of authentic fellowship with the Almighty.