Abstract

This chapter argues that eusebeia and hosiotes are not, as often claimed, synonyms for ‘piety’, but refer to different aspects of ‘service to the gods’. First religious behaviours and actions are divided into those ‘religiously correct’ and those ‘properly respectful’. Then three distinctions are drawn between ‘proper respect’ and ‘religious correctness’. The ‘honouring the gods’ aspect of ‘proper respect’ is emphasized. It is noted that Plato treats only ‘religious correctness’, and not ‘proper respect’, as a virtue, and the reasons for this are explored. Sophrosyne is found to be the cause of both. The rewards from these include health, safety in war, success in agriculture and fertility, and many other human endeavours, but also include a bond of reciprocal favours with the gods and their affection.