Godly (2153) (eusebos from eu = well + sebomai = reverence <> Sebomai is from root "seb" = sacred awe) is an attitude of reverence exhibited in one's actions. In secular Greek use eusebos described practical piety towards one's parents. The Greek root was also commonly used in the Greco-Roman world of Paul to describe respect for the pagan gods. For example in one ancient text we read
"Can there be any better or more reverent (godly) way to honor the gods than by doing what they command?"
In summary, eusebos means reverence or awe that is well directed - living lives that are pleasing to God. It is not talking "godly" but living "godly".
Bryan Chapell rightly remarks that...
The goal of the godly is to adorn the gospel with credibility and evidence of its power in their lives. The Bible calls us to even enslave ourselves to what is disadvantageous to us so that others will be freed from the slavery of sin. If our lives exhibit no freedom from the passions of this world, then our lives implicitly say the gospel makes no difference. (“Intolerant” Grace: Titus 2:11-15 - Revival and Reformation 7:3 Summer 1998) (List of 22 journals - 500 yrs of articles searchable by topic or verse! Incredible Online Resource!)
Hiebert has written
There is an intimate connection between truth and godliness. A vital possession of truth is inconsistent with irreverence...Real truth never deviates from the path of piety. A profession of the truth which allows an individual to live in ungodliness is a spurious profession
The Old Testament teaches that living godly is intimately related to a "fear of the Lord" where fear connotes reverential awe or living Coram Deo (before the face of God) recognizing that all evil is a direct affront ("in His face") to His holy character. Thus we see men like Job
fearing God and turning away from evil (Job 1:1).
The effect of holy fear is a holy (godly) life.
Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines "godly" as
"living in obedience to God's commands, from a principle of love to him and reverence of his character and precepts."
To live "godly" is to live so as to render to God the reverence and worship associated with a holy life. It is to have reverence for God and a life of holiness in the world. To live godly is to live with a reverent awareness of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of one's life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all our conduct.
Godly defines a life that is pleasing to God but not necessarily "pleasing" to man for Paul writes that that
"indeed, all who desire to live godly (eusebos) in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (see note 2 Timothy 3:12)
"Know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself. The Lord hears when I call to Him." (Ps 4:3) (See Spurgeon's comment)
IN THIS PRESENT AGE: en to nun aioni: (Jn 14:30, 17:14, 15, Ro 12:2 Gal 1:4 Eph 2:2 1Jn 5:19)
In this present age - “in the here and now” in contrast to the coming age. The potential for a victorious Christian life lies between His appearings of grace and then glory.
Steven Cole writes that...
In the present age emphasizes that we do not need to isolate ourselves from this evil world in monasteries or Christian communes. Rather, in the midst of this present evil age, we are to live sensible, righteous, godly lives, so that those in the world will be drawn to our Savior.
Hendricksen writes that...
we may live lives which display a changed relation:
a. to oneself: “self mastery,” making the proper use of such desires or drives as are not sinful in themselves, and overcoming those that are sinful;
b. to the neighbor: “fairness,” honesty, justice, integrity in dealing with others;
c. to God: “devotion,” godliness, true piety and reverence with respect to him who alone is the proper Object of worship.
Present (3568) (nun) means "now". The negative and positive charges Paul has just given indicate that Christian living must be demonstrated in an evil world that is hostile to God.
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)