Lexical Summary phthoneó: To envy, to be jealous Original Word: φθονέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance envy. From phthonos; to be jealous of -- envy. see GREEK phthonos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5354 phthonéō (from 5355 /phthónos) – to envy, becoming bitter (sour) because of another person's success. 5354 /phthonéō is used only in Gal 5:26. See 5355 (phthonos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phthonos Definition to envy NASB Translation envying (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5354: φθονέωφθονέω, φθόνῳ; (φθόνος); from Homer down; to envy: τίνι, one, Galatians 5:26 (here L text Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading read the accusative; see Buttmann, § 132, 15 Rem.; Winer's Grammar, § 31, 1 b.). Topical Lexicon Definition and Linguistic Background Strong’s Greek 5354 (phthoneó) denotes the active practice of envy—harboring resentful discontent that begrudges another’s blessings and seeks their diminution. While related to 5355 (phthonos, “envy”), the verb stresses an ongoing disposition or action rather than a settled noun-form state. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, phthoneó often carried the idea of malign jealousy that plots harm. The New Testament retains this ethical weight, viewing envy as a fracture of love and a work of the flesh incompatible with life in the Spirit. Biblical Usage Galatians 5:26 contains the sole canonical occurrence: “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another” (Berean Standard Bible). Paul places φθονοῦντες between provocation and self-conceit, illustrating how inflated self-regard breeds competition that blossoms into envy. Although 5354 appears only here, its noun cognate (5355) and synonymous terms reinforce the same moral prohibition (Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:3; 1 Peter 2:1). Context within Galatians 1. Contrast with the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). Envy directly opposes love, joy, and peace. Theological Significance • Rooted in idolatry: Envy covets status or possessions, displacing satisfaction in God’s providence (Exodus 20:17; Colossians 3:5). Historical and Cultural Background Greco-Roman writers viewed phthonos as a destructive social force, feared even among friends. In popular religion the “evil eye” reflected envy’s perceived power. Paul’s Jewish heritage had long condemned envy (Proverbs 14:30; Wisdom of Solomon 2:24 links it to death’s entrance). Against this cultural backdrop, Paul calls the Galatians to a countercultural ethic of Spirit-led mutual service. Related Biblical Themes and Texts • Cases illustrating envy’s damage: Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:4–8), Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 37:11), Saul toward David (1 Samuel 18:8–9), the chief priests toward Jesus (Mark 15:10). Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Diagnostics: Envy often masquerades as righteous concern. Leaders should help believers identify subtle resentments toward others’ gifts, ministries, or blessings. Implications for Spiritual Formation • Prayer: Confession of envy followed by intercession for the envied person transforms competitive impulses into charity. Homiletical Considerations Preaching Galatians 5:26 can: Conclusion Phthoneó, though appearing only once in the Greek New Testament, distills a perennial human sin that corrodes Christian community. By walking in the Spirit, believers are empowered to replace envy with love, competition with cooperation, and resentment with rejoicing, thereby displaying the unity for which Christ prayed (John 17:21). Forms and Transliterations φθονουντες φθονούντες φθονοῦντες phthonountes phthonoûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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