What does “a form of godliness” mean?

It is the phrase of 2 Timothy 3:5: keeping the outward shape of religion while denying its power. Paul's instruction about such people is short: “from such turn away”.

Is godliness the same as holiness?

They are close. Holiness is being set apart for God; godliness (eusebeia) is the reverent devotion that shows in daily conduct. The King James uses “holiness” for eusebeia once, in Acts 3:12.

Greek word · Strong G2150

What does godliness mean?

Godliness is devotion to God that shows in how one lives — reverence turned into daily life. It is the King James word for the Greek eusebeia, in 14 verses: “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

εὐσέβεια

eusébeia · transliteration

In Strong’s lexicon: piety; specially, the gospel scheme
In the King James: godliness14
Appears in: 15 verses

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The meaning of godliness in the Bible

Eusebeia joins eu, well, and sebomai, to revere: it is reverence for God lived out day by day. That is why it is above all a word of the letters to Timothy and Titus, written to churches that needed people sound in faith and in conduct. Paul compares it to bodily exercise and says it is worth more, because it serves this life and the next (1 Timothy 4:8).

It also has a counterfeit: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5) — religion on the outside with no life within. And those who use it for profit are deceived, because its gain is of another kind: “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Where godliness appears

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

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1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

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2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “a form of godliness” mean?: It is the phrase of 2 Timothy 3:5: keeping the outward shape of religion while denying its power. Paul's instruction about such people is short: “from such turn away”.
Is godliness the same as holiness?: They are close. Holiness is being set apart for God; godliness (eusebeia) is the reverent devotion that shows in daily conduct. The King James uses “holiness” for eusebeia once, in Acts 3:12.

The meaning of godliness in the Bible

Where godliness appears

1 Timothy 4:8

1 Timothy 6:6

2 Timothy 3:5

Frequently asked questions

More Bible words