Lexical Summary Zélótés: Zealot Original Word: ζηλωτής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zelotes. The same as Zelotes; a Zealot, i.e. (specially) partisan for Jewish political independence -- Zelotes. see GREEK Zelotes HELPS Word-studies 2208 Zēlōtḗs (a proper noun, sharing the same form as 2207 /zēlōtḗs, "one burning with zeal," J. Thayer) – a Zealot; a member of the extremist party in Judaism known as the Zealots (2208 /Zēlōtḗs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as zélótés Definition the Zealot, a member of a Jewish political party NASB Translation Zealot (2). Topical Lexicon Term Overview ζηλωτής (Strong’s 2208) describes one marked by ardent zeal. In the Greek New Testament it appears only in the compound title “Simon the Zealot” (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13), but the term’s historical background and theological resonance extend far beyond those two listings. Historical and Cultural Setting The Zealots arose in the first century as a grass-roots movement intent on liberating Israel from Roman rule. Their fervor was fueled by earlier examples of covenant loyalty—Phinehas (Numbers 25:11), Elijah (1 Kings 19:10), and the Maccabees—each renowned for decisive action on God’s behalf. By the time of Jesus, Zealot passion had sharpened into political activism that sometimes embraced violence, culminating in the Jewish Revolt of AD 66–70. Simon the Zealot The calling of Simon illustrates the breadth of those Jesus chose. Listed beside Matthew the tax collector (a onetime collaborator with Rome), Simon testifies to the transformative power of Christ to reconcile natural enemies within one body. Luke 6:15 records, “and Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot”. After the resurrection he is again present among the apostles: “James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James” (Acts 1:13). Scripture gives no further narrative about him, yet his epithet reminds readers that fervent conviction, when surrendered to Jesus, can be redirected from insurrection to gospel mission. Zeal in Old Testament Perspective The Old Testament frequently attributes zeal to the Lord Himself (Deuteronomy 4:24; Isaiah 9:7), portraying a holy jealousy for His name and people. Human agents occasionally mirror that zeal—Phinehas “was zealous with My zeal” (Numbers 25:11)—yet even righteous passion required divine covenant boundaries. Zeal in New Testament Theology The apostolic writings commend godly zeal: They also warn against misguided fervor: “They are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Paul himself confesses that before conversion he was “extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:14), a zeal that once persecuted the Church but later propelled missionary endurance. Distinguishing True and False Zeal 1. Source: Spirit-empowered rather than self-generated (Romans 12:11). Ministry Implications • Discipleship calls for channeling passion—especially in new believers—toward biblically authorized goals. Related Greek Terms zêlos (ardor, jealousy), zêloō (to be zealous), and zêlôtês (2207, “zealous one”) broaden the theme across the New Testament. Together they stress that authentic Christian zeal is anchored in the character of God and expressed through sacrificial service. Theological Significance ζηλωτής reminds believers that passionate conviction is not inherently virtuous; it must be refined by the gospel. In redeeming a former revolutionary, Jesus models His power to transform fervor into faithful witness. The word therefore encourages the Church to cultivate zeal that is both fervent and faithful, advancing the kingdom with uncompromising truth and Christlike love. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance ζήλου — 2 Occ.ζήλευε — 1 Occ. ζηλῶ — 1 Occ. ζηλώσαντες — 2 Occ. ζηλοῖ — 1 Occ. ζηλοῦσιν — 1 Occ. ζηλοῦσθαι — 1 Occ. ζηλοῦτε — 5 Occ. ζηλωταὶ — 3 Occ. Ζηλωτὴν — 2 Occ. ζημίαν — 3 Occ. ζημίας — 1 Occ. ἐζημιώθην — 1 Occ. ζημιωθῇ — 1 Occ. ζημιωθῆναι — 1 Occ. ζημιωθήσεται — 1 Occ. ζημιωθῆτε — 1 Occ. ζημιωθείς — 1 Occ. Ζηνᾶν — 1 Occ. ἐζητήσαμεν — 1 Occ. |
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