Lexical Summary zélótés: Zealot, enthusiast, fervent supporter Original Word: ζηλωτής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ZealotFrom zeloo; a "zealot" -- zealous. see GREEK zeloo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2207 zēlōtḗs – a person with zealous enthusiasm who (literally) "boils over with passion" ("someone burning with zeal," J. Thayer). See 2205 (zēlos). 2707 /kataphrontḗs ("a zealous person") is used of "one who is deeply committed to something and therefore zealous – 'enthusiast, zealous person' " (L & N, 1, 25.77). [This term is also used of the extreme faction of the Pharisees called "zealots of the Law" (Lk 6:15; Ac 1:13).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zéloó Definition zealous NASB Translation zealous (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2207: ζηλωτήςζηλωτής, ζηλωτου, ὁ (ζηλόω), one burning with zeal; a zealot; 1. absolutely, for the Hebrew קַנָּא, used of God as jealous of any rival and sternly vindicating his control: Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24, etc. From the time of the Maccabees ( 2. with the genitive of the object: with the genitive of the thing, most eagerly desirous of, zealous for, a thing; a. to acquire a thing (zealous of) (see ζηλόω, 2): 1 Corinthians 14:12; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 3:13 L T Tr WH (ἀρετῆς, Philo, praem. et poen. § 2; τῆς εὐσεβείας, de monarch. 50:1, § 3; εὐσεβείας καί δικαιοσύνης, de poenit. § 1; τῶν πολεμικων ἔργων, Diodorus 1, 73; περί τῶν ἀνηκόντων εἰς σωτηρίαν, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 45, 1 [ET]). b. to defend and uphold a thing, vehemently contending for a thing (zealous for): νόμου, Acts 21:20 (2 Macc. 4:2); τῶν πατρικῶν παραδόσεων, Galatians 1:14 (τῶν αἰγυπτιακων πλασματων, Philo, vit. Moys. iii. § 19; τῆς ἀρχαίας καί σώφρονος ἀγωγης, Diodorus excerpt., p. 611 (from 50:37, vol. 2:564 Didot)); with the genitive of person: Θεοῦ, intent on protecting the majesty and authority of God by contending for the Mosaic law, Acts 22:3. (In secular authors also an emulator, admirer, imitator, follower of anyone.) In the turbulent century that framed the birth of the Church, fervor for God often manifested in militant or intensely nationalistic forms. Certain Jews organized themselves as a party devoted to violent resistance against Rome; their reputation supplied the background nuance for the New Testament term. Yet Scripture applies the same word to a range of passions—from law-keeping and religious tradition to Spirit-empowered service and practical benevolence—revealing that zeal itself is value-neutral until its object is defined. Simon the Zealot: Apostolic witness of fervency Luke lists “Simon who was called the Zealot” (Luke 6:15; see Acts 1:13). Whether he once belonged to the revolutionary party or merely exhibited conspicuous ardor, Simon’s inclusion among the Twelve shows that Christ redeems even the most intense personalities for kingdom purposes. His name stands as a perpetual reminder that Christ does not stifle strong impulses; He redirects them toward gospel proclamation and sacrificial love. Paul: From misplaced zeal to gospel-driven zeal Paul twice employs the term autobiographically. “I was zealous for God just as all of you are today” (Acts 22:3), and “I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:14). His pre-conversion zeal produced persecution, demonstrating that sincerity without truth can turn destructive. After meeting the risen Lord, that same energy drove tireless missionary activity and pastoral care. Paul’s life therefore illustrates the transformation of unbridled religious passion into holy ambition. Corporate zeal among early believers When Paul reached Jerusalem near the end of his third journey, the elders reported, “You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and all of them are zealous for the Law” (Acts 21:20). These Jewish Christians retained love for Mosaic statutes while trusting Christ for salvation. Their example testifies that devotion to God’s revealed moral will harmonizes with faith in the Messiah, provided Christ remains central. Zeal directed toward edification Addressing congregational worship, Paul writes, “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, seek to excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12). Here zeal aims at mutual upbuilding, not personal display. Spiritual eagerness finds legitimacy only when tethered to love and the common good. Zeal for good works Grace, not legal compulsion, fuels ethical passion: Christ “purif[ies] for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). Peter echoes, “Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). New-covenant zeal therefore expresses itself in tangible service, courage under opposition, and consistent benevolence—evidence that redemption has touched both heart and hand. Theological reflection: discerning godly zeal 1. Source: Authentic zeal springs from the indwelling Spirit, not fleshly ambition. Practical ministry implications • Encourage fervor yet teach discernment; passion without knowledge can wound. Strong’s 2207 thus portrays a quality God redeems rather than removes. The Spirit tempers but never extinguishes ardor, transforming former rebels and tradition-keepers alike into servants whose burning hearts illuminate the glory of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Luke 6:15 N-AMSGRK: τὸν καλούμενον Ζηλωτὴν INT: who [was] called Zealot Acts 1:13 N-NMS Acts 21:20 N-NMP Acts 22:3 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 14:12 N-NMP Galatians 1:14 N-NMS Titus 2:14 N-AMS 1 Peter 3:13 N-NMP Strong's Greek 2207 |
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