S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The term piety usually refers to godliness or reverence for God. A person who shows great devotion to God through religious observance is said to be "pious."Today,pietyoften carries a vaguely negat...

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Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the definition of piety?

Piety in the Bible represents a devoted, reverent relationship with God, characterised by obedience, prayer, and "the fear of the Lord." Key examples include Daniel's consistent prayer despite persecution, Anna's dedicated service in the Temple, Job's steadfast faith in suffering, and Cornelius's generosity and devotion.

Examples of Piety in the Old Testament

Noah: Described as righteous, blameless, and one who "walked with God," demonstrating faith in a corrupt generation (Genesis 6:8-9).

Abraham: Exemplified piety through unquestioning obedience to God, even in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:12).

Job: Modelled unwavering devotion by remaining blameless and upright, fearing God despite severe trials (Job 1:1).

Daniel: Showed disciplined piety by praying three times a day, with windows open toward Jerusalem, regardless of the prohibition (Daniel 6:10).

Hannah: Demonstrated deep personal piety through her fervent prayers and fulfilling her vow to dedicate her son to God (1 Samuel 1)

Examples of Piety in the New Testament

Anna the Prophetess: Served God with fasting and prayers day and night in the temple, showing tireless dedication (Luke 2:36-37).

Cornelius: A Roman centurion who, despite not being Jewish, feared God, prayed continually, and gave generously to the people (Acts 10:1-2).

Simeon: Described as a just and pious man who was actively waiting for the Messiah, led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:25).

The Early Church Followers: Exemplified by those who, in devout reverence, attended to the burial of Stephen (Acts 8:2).

The Poor Widow: In Mark 12:41-44, she gave "all she had to live on" to the temple treasury. Jesus highlighted her as a model of true piety because her act was a quiet, sacrificial expression of total trust in God, in contrast to the showy, prideful giving of the wealthy.

Jesus Christ: Represents the ultimate model of piety through perfect obedience, constant prayer, and total submission to the will of God.

Piety is also showing Godly Devotion: 

What is this godly devotion? 

It is a personal attachment to God springing from a heart stirred by deep appreciation of his appealing qualities. While "godly fear" (Hebrews 12:28) means primarily reverential dread of doing anything displeasing to God, "godly devotion" is a response of the heart that will move you to live in a way that pleases God because you love him.c Such a quality of the heart leads to an "intimacy with God," a personal relationship wherein you sense his approval and help. (Job 29:4) The opportunity to have this personal friendship with God is more valuable than anything else that may be offered to you.​—Compare Jeremiah 9:23, 24.

Piety is also a form of Godly Devotion: "The spontaneous feeling of the heart [toward God]" is how the Lexicon by Edward Robinson defines the original Greek word eu·seʹbei·a. 

The original Greek word, eusebeia, was used by the philosopher Philo to describe a genuinely religious person, in contrast to a "counterfeit" worshiper who made only a lavish display of external religious acts.

J. A. H. Tittmann, in his Remarks on the Synonyms of the New Testament, adds: "[Godly devotion] expresses that reverence for the Deity which shows itself in actions,... but [godly fear] indicates that disposition, which dreads and avoids the doing of any thing contrary to right,... [godly devotion] is the energy of piety in the life."

The ancient Greeks had no specific word for religion itself. They used the term eu·seʹbei·a, which can be translated as "piety," "right conduct regarding the gods," "revering well," and "godly devotion."

Conclusion:

Piety is a virtue which may include religious devotion or spirituality. A common element in most conceptions of piety is a duty of respect. In a religious context, piety may be expressed through pious activities or devotions that vary across countries and cultures.

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