Lexicon zelos: Zeal, jealousy, ardor, fervor Original Word: ζῆλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance emulation, jealousy, zeal. From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice) -- emulation, envy(-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal. see GREEK zeo HELPS Word-studies 2205 zḗlos (an omamopoeic term that mimics the sound of water bubbling over from heat and perhaps derived from 2204 /zéō, "to boil") – properly, burning emotion (inner feeling boiling over, "boiling from heat," J. Thayer); (figuratively) something very fervent ("red-hot") as with Spirit-fueled zeal to serve the Lord. This root (zē-) is used both negatively ("jealousy") and positively ("zeal") depending on the context. [The root (zē-, "zeal") literally means "hot enough to boil." It is metaphorically used of "burning anger, love, zeal" (A-S) – i.e. to burn (in spirit). It can refer to "boiling anger, love, zeal, for what is good or bad" (J. Thayer).] Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2205: ζῆλοςζῆλος, ζήλου, ὁ, and (in Philippians 3:6 L T Tr WH; (2 Corinthians 9:2 T Tr WH)) τό ζῆλος (Ignatius ad Trall. 4 [ET]; διά ζῆλος, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 4, 8 [ET] ("in Clement of Rome, §§ 3, 4, 5, 6 the masculine and neuter seem to be interchanged without any law" (Lightfoot). For facts see especially Clement of Rome, edition 2 Hilgenfeld (1876), p. 7; cf. Wit. Appendix, p. 158; Winers Grammar, § 9, N. 2; Buttmann, 23 (20)); (from ζέω (Curtius, § 567; Vanicek, p. 757)); the Sept. for קִנְאָה; excitement of mind, ardor, fervor of spirit; 1. zeal, ardor in embracing, pursuing, defending anything: 2 Corinthians 12:11; 2 Corinthians 9:2; κατά ζῆλος, as respects zeal (in maintaining religion), Philippians 3:6; with the genitive of the object, zeal in behalf of, for a person or thing, John 2:17 from Psalm 68:10 2. an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy: Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; James 3:14, 16; ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου, Acts 5:17; Acts 13:45; plural ζῆλοι, now the stirrings or motions of ζῆλος, now its outbursts and manifestations: 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; but in both passages L T Tr (WH, yet in Galatians, the passage cited WH only in text) have adopted ζῆλος (ζῆλοι τέ καί φθόνοι, Plato, legg. 3, p. 679 c.). (On the distinction between ζῆλος (which may be used in a good sense) and φθόνος (used only in a bad sense) cf. Trench, Synonyms, § xxvi.; Cope on Aristotle, rhet. 2, 11, Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek ζῆλος is often compared to the Hebrew קִנְאָה (qin'ah, Strong's 7068), which similarly encompasses both zeal and jealousy. Another related Hebrew term is קָנָא (qanah, Strong's 7065), which means "to be jealous" or "to be zealous." These Hebrew terms reflect the same duality found in ζῆλος, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding the nature of the emotion being described. Usage: In the New Testament, ζῆλος is used to describe both commendable zeal for God and His purposes, as well as negative jealousy or rivalry among individuals. The context determines whether the term is used positively or negatively. Context: • Positive Connotation: In a positive sense, ζῆλος is associated with a fervent commitment to God and His work. For example, in Romans 10:2, Paul speaks of the Israelites having a "zeal for God," though it is not based on knowledge. This kind of zeal is characterized by a passionate dedication to spiritual matters and a desire to uphold God's honor and commandments. Englishman's Concordance John 2:17 N-NMSGRK: ἐστίν Ὁ ζῆλος τοῦ οἴκου NAS: that it was written, ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE KJV: written, The zeal of thine INT: it is The zeal of the house Acts 5:17 N-GMS Acts 13:45 N-GMS Romans 10:2 N-AMS Romans 13:13 N-DMS 1 Corinthians 3:3 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 7:7 N-AMS 2 Corinthians 7:11 N-AMS 2 Corinthians 9:2 N-NNS 2 Corinthians 11:2 N-DMS 2 Corinthians 12:20 N-NMS Galatians 5:20 N-NMS Philippians 3:6 N-ANS Hebrews 10:27 N-NNS James 3:14 N-AMS James 3:16 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2205 |
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