θρησκείαthrēskeía

Meanings

Same root

• θρησκόςthrēskós · G2357ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious
• ἐθελοθρησκείαethelothrēskeía · G1479voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e. sanctimony

Where it appears

Appears 4 times in the Bible.

• Acts 26:5 If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.
• Colossians 2:18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud,
• James 1:26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
• James 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.