2204. zeó

Lexicon

zeó: To boil, to be fervent

Original Word: ζέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: zeó
Pronunciation: zay'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dzeh'-o)
Definition: To boil, to be fervent
Meaning: (lit: I boil, am boiling), I burn (in spirit), am fervent.

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 Origin
a prim. verb
Definition
to boil, be hot
NASB Translation
being fervent (1), fervent (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2204: ζέω

ζέω; 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

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ζέω, the concept of fervency or zeal can be found in several Hebrew words, such as:

• H7065 קָנָא (qanah): To be zealous, to be jealous.
• H2734 חָרָה (charah): To burn, to be kindled with anger or zeal.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of intense emotion or fervor, whether in the context of zeal for God or in other passionate expressions.

Usage: The verb ζέω is used in the New Testament to describe a fervent or zealous spirit, often in the context of spiritual fervor or enthusiasm.

Context: The Greek verb ζέω (zeō) appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of boiling or being hot, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. In its metaphorical usage, it describes an intense, fervent, or zealous state of being, often associated with spiritual fervor or enthusiasm for the faith.

In Romans 12:11, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be "fervent in spirit" (ζέοντες τῷ πνεύματι), encouraging them to maintain a passionate and enthusiastic commitment to serving the Lord. This usage highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual zeal and dedication in the Christian life.

The concept of ζέω is closely related to the idea of being filled with the Holy Spirit, where believers are encouraged to let their spiritual fervor be evident in their actions and attitudes. This fervency is not merely emotional but is rooted in a deep commitment to living out one's faith with sincerity and vigor.

The imagery of boiling or being hot serves as a powerful metaphor for the intensity and passion that should characterize a believer's relationship with God. It suggests a dynamic and active faith that is constantly engaged and growing.

Forms and Transliterations

έζεσε ζεοντες ζέοντες ζεων ζέων zeon zeōn zéon zéōn zeontes zéontes

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 18:25 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: 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
GRK: τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες τῷ κυρίῳ
NAS: in diligence, fervent in spirit,
KJV: in business; fervent in spirit;
INT: in spirit be fervent [the] Lord

Strong's Greek 2204
2 Occurrences

ζέων — 1 Occ.
ζέοντες — 1 Occ.