Lexical Summary 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, Strong’s Greek 2205 (zēlos) gathers into one term two opposite passions: fervent devotion and corrosive envy. Context alone reveals whether the writer has honorable “zeal” or sinful “jealousy” in view, yet both ideas share a common core—the heart’s intense heat toward a person, cause, or possession. Holy Zeal—A Fire for God’s Glory • John 2:17 records the disciples’ recollection of Psalm 69:9 as Jesus cleansed the temple: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me”. Here zēlos describes pure, self-sacrificing passion that defends God’s honor. Sinful Jealousy—The Rot of Self-Centered Desire • Jealous rivalry fractured the Corinthian fellowship: “For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not worldly?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). Old Testament Backdrop—The LORD’s Covenant Jealousy The Septuagint frequently employs zēlos for God’s qinʾâ, a righteous jealousy guarding exclusive worship (Deuteronomy 4:24). New-Testament writers draw on this heritage, portraying holy zeal as a reflection of God’s own character while condemning envy that challenges His supremacy. Historical Note: The Zealot Party First-century “Zealots” (derived from zēlōtēs, cognate of zēlos) blended patriotic fervor with messianic expectation, seeking liberation from Rome. While not mentioned here, the movement’s name shows how the root idea of passionate ardor permeated Jewish culture—sometimes to violent extremes that contrast with Christ’s kingdom ethics. Pastoral Implications 1. Cultivate informed zeal through Scripture and prayer (Romans 10:2). Summary of New Testament Distribution Positive zeal: John 2:17; Romans 10:2; 2 Corinthians 7:7, 7:11, 9:2, 11:2; Philippians 3:6. Negative jealousy: Acts 5:17; Acts 13:45; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; James 3:14, 3:16; Hebrews 10:27; Romans 13:13 (mixed context). The believer is therefore called to burn with the fervor of Christ, yet crucify every trace of envy that would set self on the throne. 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 |