godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness

Definition

The term “godly” is used to describe a person who acts in a way that honors God and shows what God is like. “Godliness” is the character quality of honoring God by doing his will.

• A person who has godly character will show the fruits of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self control.
• The quality of godliness shows that a person has the Holy Spirit and is obeying him.

The terms “ungodly” and “godless” describe people who are in rebellion against God. Living in an evil way, without thought of God, is called “ungodliness” or “godlessness.”

• The meanings of these words are very similar. However, “godless” and “godlessness” may describe a more extreme condition in which people or nations do not even acknowledge God or his right to rule them.
• God pronounces judgment and wrath on ungodly people, on everyone who rejects him and his ways.

Translation Suggestions

• The phrase “the godly” could be translated as “godly people” or “people who obey God.” (See: nominaladj)
• The adjective “godly” could be translated as “obedient to God” or “righteous” or “pleasing to God.”
• The phrase “in a godly manner” could be translated as “in a way that obeys God” or “with actions and words that please God.”
• Ways to translate “godliness” could include “acting in a way that pleases God” or “obeying God” or “living in a righteous manner.”

• Depending on the context, the term “ungodly” could be translated as “displeasing to God” or “immoral” or “disobeying God.”
• The terms “godless” and “godlessness” literally mean that the people are “without God” or “having no thought of God” or “acting in a way that does not acknowledge God.”
• Other ways to translate “ungodliness” or “godlessness” could be “wickedness” or “evil” or “rebellion against God”.

(See also evil, honor, obey, righteous)

Bible References

• Job 27:10
• Proverbs 11:9
• Acts 3:12
• 1 Timothy 1:9-11
• 1 Timothy 4:7
• 2 Timothy 3:12
• Hebrews 12:14-17
• Hebrews 11:7
• 1 Peter 4:18
• Jude 1:16

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0430, H1100, H2623, H5760, H7563, G05160, G07630, G07640, G07650, G21240, G21500, G21520, G21530, G23160, G23170