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Bible Encyclopedias
Piety
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or occurs but once in the A.V.: "Let them learn first to show piety at home" (τὸν ἴδιον οικον εὐσεβεῖν , better, towards their own household," 1 Timothy 5:4). The choice of this word here instead of the more usual equivalents of "godliness," "reverence," and the like, was probably determined by the special sense of pietas, as "erga parentes" (Cicero, Partit. 22; Rep. 6:15; Inv. 2:22). It does not appear in the earlier English versions, and we may recognise in its application in this passage a special felicity. A word was wanted for εὐσεβεῖν which, unlike "showing godliness," would admit of a human as well as a divine object, and this piety supplied. — Smith.
Piety, or godliness, only another name for personal religion, consists in a firm belief, and in right conceptions of the being, perfections, and providence of God; with suitable affections to him, resemblance of his moral perfections, and a constant obedience to his will. The different articles included in this definition, such as knowledge, veneration, love, resignation, etc., are explained in their proper places in this work. For Perverted Piety, (See ETHICS).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Piety'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/p/piety.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
