Lexical Summary zeó: To boil, to be fervent Original Word: ζέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be fervent. A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest) -- be fervent. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2204 zéō (onomatopoetic for the sound of boiling water, perhaps a primitive verb) – properly, to bubble over because hot enough to boil (J. Thayer); (figuratively) to show great zeal; be ardently passionate (literally "boiling" with interest or desire); "to be deeply committed to something, with the implication of accompanying desire – 'to be earnest, to set one's heart on, to be completely intent upon' " (L & N, 1, 25.76); very fervent. See 2205 (zēlos). [2204 (zéō) is "formed from the participle of the Latin ferveo, 'to boil or ferment,' is an exact translation of this word, which means 'to seethe or bubble,' and is therefore used figuratively of mental states and emotions" (WS, 268).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to boil, be hot NASB Translation being fervent (1), fervent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2204: ζέωζέω; to boil with heat, be hot; often in Greek writings; thus of water, Homer, Iliad 18, 349; 21, 362 (365); metaphorically, used of 'boiling' anger, love, zeal for what is good or bad, etc. (Tragg., Plato, Plutarch, others); ζέων (on this uncontracted form cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. (or his School Gram. (Robinson's translation)) § 105 N. 2, i., p. 481; Matthiae, i., p. 151; (Hadley § 371 b.)) τῷ πνεύματι, fervent in spirit, said of zeal for what is good, Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11; cf. especially Rückert and Fritzsche on Romans, the passage cited Topical Lexicon Imagery of Boiling Fervor The verb at Strong’s 2204 paints the picture of liquid at full rolling boil—heat that will not be contained. Scripture borrows that everyday image and transfers it to the inner life, portraying a spirit so heated by divine influence that it overflows in word and deed. Occurrences in the New Testament • Acts 18:25 describes Apollos as “fervent in spirit” (ζέων τῷ πνεύματι). His eager proclamation of the truth he knew shows how zeal and accurate teaching are meant to stand together. Historical and Cultural Background In classical Greek, the term could refer to water, metals, or emotions that bubbled over with energy. By applying it to spiritual life, the apostolic writers seized a vivid marketplace expression and baptized it for kingdom purposes. The synagogue-trained Apollos would have heard the word in Alexandria’s bustling streets; Roman believers would catch the same metaphor amid their city’s bathhouses and cauldrons. Theological Themes 1. Spirit-Empowered Zeal. The heat source is not human enthusiasm alone but the Holy Spirit. Paul couples the participle with “spirit” (πνεύματι), indicating divine enablement. Comparative Old Testament Motifs Though Hebrew uses different vocabulary, the motif is familiar: the altar fire that “must be kept burning” (Leviticus 6:13), the prophet Jeremiah’s word that became “a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9), and the psalmist whose “heart grew hot” while meditating on truth (Psalm 39:3). The New Testament term crowns these hints, declaring that the new-covenant believer is a living altar where the flame is never to die out. Derivatives and Related Language The adjective ζεστός, “hot,” appears in Revelation 3:15-16, where the risen Christ contrasts it with “lukewarm.” The etymological tie intensifies the call: what Romans 12 urges, Revelation warns against neglecting. Tepidity invites Christ’s rebuke; boiling zeal secures His commendation. Ministry Applications • Preaching and Teaching: Apollos’s example encourages communicators to combine robust exposition with visible passion. Academic precision is not the enemy of holy fire. Pastoral Warnings 1. Artificial Heat: Emotionalism may mimic fervor without Spirit power. Leaders must discern between authentic zeal and manufactured excitement. The Fervent Spirit and the Holy Spirit Pentecost supplied the flame that still fuels the Church. The Spirit’s descent as “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3) foreshadows the ordinary Christian life envisioned by Romans 12:11. Believers are not commanded to create fire but to keep the divine fire unquenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Thus Strong’s 2204 stands as a concise theology of Spirit-animated perseverance. Concluding Reflection Strong’s 2204 captures in a single word the dynamic heart of Christian living: truth so heated by the Holy Spirit that it cannot stay silent or still. Whether in the polished eloquence of Apollos or the everyday service of Roman house-churches, boiling fervor remains an indispensable mark of disciples who serve the Lord until He comes. Forms and Transliterations έζεσε ζεοντες ζέοντες ζεων ζέων zeon zeōn zéon zéōn zeontes zéontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 18:25 V-PPA-NMSGRK: κυρίου καὶ ζέων τῷ πνεύματι NAS: of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, KJV: and being fervent in the spirit, INT: Lord and being fervent in spirit Romans 12:11 V-PPA-NMP Strong's Greek 2204 |
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