Strong’s Greek 3742 (hosiotēs) conveys the quality of devout, covenant-faithful living that conforms to God’s moral character. It speaks of practical holiness worked out in daily conduct—piety that is both God-ward and man-ward, rooted in reverence and expressed in righteous acts. Whereas “righteousness” stresses conformity to God’s standard of justice, hosiotēs highlights the godly devotion that loves those standards and delights to do them.

Biblical Usage

Luke 1:75 presents hosiotēs as God’s purpose for His redeemed: “to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days”. The priestly song of Zechariah reveals that salvation is not merely rescue from enemies but liberation for a life saturated with sacred devotion.

Ephesians 4:24 places hosiotēs within the new-creation ethic: “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”. Here it is paired with “righteousness,” forming a complete picture of renewed humanity—just in dealings with others and holy in relation to God.

In both passages hosiotēs appears in the singular, indicating a unified, consistent lifestyle rather than sporadic acts.

Old Testament Background

The Septuagint frequently uses cognate terms (hosios, hosiotēs) to translate Hebrew words such as ḥāsîd (faithful, godly) and qādôsh (holy). Psalm 4:3, for example, distinguishes “the godly” (hoi hosioi) whom the LORD has set apart. Thus New Testament writers draw on a rich heritage where devotion to the covenant God integrates worship, ethics, and community responsibility.

First-Century Context

Jewish piety of the Second Temple era valued outward Torah observance; Greco-Roman culture prized civic virtue. Hosios language bridged both spheres, asserting that true devotion transcends ritual performance and philosophical ethics, finding its standard in the living God revealed in Scripture. Early Christians, therefore, understood hosiotēs as Spirit-empowered conformity to Christ rather than mere compliance with cultural expectations.

Theological Significance

1. Rooted in Redemption: In Luke 1 hosiotēs flows from God’s saving acts; grace precedes godliness.
2. Reflective of Divine Nature: Ephesians 4 links hosiotēs to the image of God restored in believers.
3. Eschatological Goal: Present devotion anticipates the future state where “nothing unclean” will enter the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27).

Connections to Other Biblical Themes

• Sanctification: Hosios devotion is the progressive outworking of positional holiness (Hebrews 10:10,14).
• Covenant Loyalty: Echoes the steadfast love (ḥesed) that characterizes God and is mirrored in His people (Micah 6:8).
• Priestly Service: Aligns with Peter’s description of the Church as “a holy priesthood” offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5).

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus embodies perfect hosiotēs, obeying the Father’s will at every point (John 8:29). His life models the union of holiness and compassion, making Him both the mediator and the pattern for believers (Hebrews 7:26).

Eschatological Dimension

Hosiotēs will reach its consummation when the Church is presented “without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). Present growth in godly devotion is therefore both anticipation and preparation for that day.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Personal Discipleship: Encourage believers to pursue a whole-life piety that integrates worship, ethics, and relationships.
• Corporate Worship: Design gatherings that cultivate reverence and obedience, not merely emotional experience.
• Social Engagement: Promote acts of mercy and justice as expressions of covenant devotion, avoiding dualism between sacred and secular.
• Leadership Qualification: Pastors and elders are to model hosiotēs, demonstrating lives beyond reproach (Titus 1:8).

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 3742 challenges the Church to embrace a holistic godliness grounded in redemption, reflecting God’s nature, and anticipating glory. Such devotion, empowered by the Holy Spirit, manifests the reality of the new creation and bears persuasive witness in a watching world.