Devout (εὐλαβής) signifies a lifestyle of devotion. The word is derived from “well” and “to take or receive,” conveying the idea of someone who “takes hold of” or “receives” things in a careful and respectful manner. It is often used in a religious or moral sense to describe someone who is careful in their actions, particularly in matters of piety and devotion to God.
In Acts 2:25, Luke records Simeon’s encounter with the Christ Child. Simeon, a just and devout man under the Mosaic Law, had been informed by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Lord’s Messiah before his death. The Spirit led him to the Temple, where he took the young Christ in his arms when His parents brought Him in to fulfill the customs of the Law. He glorified God for being allowed to see the One who would save Israel.
On the day of Pentecost, following Christ’s resurrection and the establishment of the Church, many devout Jews were in Jerusalem. Through the testimony of the disciples, they became believers in the resurrected Christ (Acts 2:5). These were saved men under the Mosaic Law who were transitioned into the Church.
One of the first deacons of the Church, Stephen, was killed for proclaiming the resurrected Christ. After his martyrdom, devout men carried away his body (Acts 8:2). This event triggered the first persecution of the Church, leading to the dispersion of many believers throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1).
Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, by faith moved with devotion, preparing an ark for the salvation of his household (Hebrews 11:7).
Jesus Christ is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, Who, in the days of His flesh, offered up supplications and humble petitions to the One Who was able to save Him out from death and was heard because of His devotion (Hebrews 5:7).
The term devout is typically used in reference to saints who lived before the Dispensation of Grace. After the establishment of the Church, “devout” describes Jews who became believers in the resurrection and those involved in tending to the body of Stephen. However, devout is not used to describe Christians. Rather, they are called to a lifestyle of godliness—demonstrating reverence for God through righteous conduct.