In the biblical context, the concept of envy is often portrayed as a destructive emotion that can lead to sin and discord. Envy is the feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the dangers and consequences of envy.

Old Testament References

1. Cain and Abel: One of the earliest examples of envy is found in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain envied Abel because God favored Abel's offering over his own. This envy led Cain to commit the first murder. Genesis 4:4-5 states, "And Abel brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell."

2. Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph's brothers envied him because of their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams, which suggested he would rule over them. This envy led them to sell Joseph into slavery. Genesis 37:11 notes, "And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind."

3. Saul and David: King Saul's envy of David's success and popularity is another significant example. Saul's jealousy grew after David's victory over Goliath and the subsequent praise he received from the people. 1 Samuel 18:8-9 records, "And Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David."

New Testament Teachings

1. The Works of the Flesh: In the New Testament, envy is listed among the "works of the flesh" that are contrary to the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 warns, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

2. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself was envied by the religious leaders of His time, which contributed to their desire to have Him crucified. Matthew 27:18 states, "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over."

3. Love and Envy: The apostle Paul, in his famous discourse on love, contrasts love with envy. 1 Corinthians 13:4 declares, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Envy is depicted in the Bible as a sin that can lead to further transgressions and disrupt relationships. It is often associated with a lack of contentment and trust in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to cultivate love, contentment, and gratitude as antidotes to envy. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice."

The biblical narrative consistently portrays envy as a vice that can lead to personal and communal harm, urging believers to seek the virtues of love, humility, and contentment in their walk with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Envy.5355. phthonos -- envy
... will") conveys "displeasure at another's good; . .without longing to raise oneself
to the level of him whom he envies, but only to the envied to his ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5355.htm - 7k

3107. makarios -- blessed, happy
... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: makarios Phonetic Spelling:
(mak-ar'-ee-os) Short Definition: happy, blessed Definition: happy, blessed, to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3107.htm - 7k

7065. qanah -- to be jealous or zealous
... verb from qinah Definition to be jealous or zealous NASB Word Usage became envious
(1), became jealous (1), been very zealous (2), envied (1), envious (4 ...
/hebrew/7065.htm - 6k

Ye have Never Envied any Man. ...
... Chapter III. Ye have never envied any man.? Ye have never envied any
man. Ye have taught others. Only pray ye for strength to ...
/.../the third epistle of ignatius to the ephesians /chapter iii ye have never.htm

How Joseph, the Youngest of Jacob's Sons, was Envied by his ...
... CHAPTER 2. How Joseph, The Youngest Of Jacob's Sons, Was Envied By His Brethren,
When Certain Dreams Had Foreshown His Future Happiness. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how joseph the.htm

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... For I knew that I had devised an evil deed before the Lord and Jacob my father,
on account of Joseph my brother, in that I envied him. ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

As God is the Author of Patience So the Devil is of Impatience.
... [9052] For if he had endured (that), he would not have grieved; nor would
he have envied man if he had not grieved. Accordingly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/of patience/chapter v as god is the.htm

Pray Rather that I May Attain to Martyrdom.
... martyrdom. Ye have never envied any one; ye have taught others. ... greatness.
Ye have never envied any one; ye have taught others. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the romans/chapter iii pray rather that i.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... (2) Envy. Satan envied our first parents the robe of innocence, and the glory of
paradise, and could not rest till he had procured their death. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Obadiah
... People admired Obadiah, I doubt not, while he was alive; envied him too, tried to
thrust him out of his place, slander him to King Ahab, drive him out of favour ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon ix obadiah.htm

But when Titus had Composed the Troubles in Judea...
... annual pension; and continued to respect me to the end of his life, without any
abatement of his kindness to me; which very thing made me envied, and brought ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 76 but when titus.htm

By what Judgment of God the Enemy was Permitted to Indulge his ...
... and continence, and chastity; and whether ye have not been so desirous of the human
praise that is accorded to these virtues, that ye have envied some who ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 28 by what judgment of.htm

How the Kindly-Disposed and the Envious are to be Admonished.
... ii.24). For, because he had himself lost heaven, he envied it to created man, and,
being himself ruined, by ruining others he heaped up his own damnation. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x how the kindly-disposed.htm

Envied (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Envied (8 Occurrences). 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you suffer
for righteousness' sake, you are to be envied. ... The Philistines envied him. ...
/e/envied.htm - 8k

Jealous (43 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that
she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She ...
/j/jealous.htm - 20k

Bearing (150 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:14 You are to be envied, if you are being reproached for bearing the name
of Christ; for in that case the Spirit of glory-- even the Spirit of God ...
/b/bearing.htm - 39k

Observed (84 Occurrences)
... for thy sake. (See JPS YLT). Genesis 37:11 And his brethren envied him;
but his father observed the saying. (KJV WBS). Genesis 40:6 ...
/o/observed.htm - 30k

I'll (31 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her
sister. She said to Jacob, "Give me children, or else I will die." (See NIV). ...
/i/i'll.htm - 15k

Flocks (128 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:14 He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household.
The Philistines envied him. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/flocks.htm - 38k

Threats (14 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS NIV). 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you suffer for righteousness' sake, you
are to be envied. So do not be alarmed by their threats, nor troubled; (WEY). ...
/t/threats.htm - 10k

Rivalry (8 Occurrences)
... deed. (WEY YLT). Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I saw all labor and every skilful
work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This ...
/r/rivalry.htm - 8k

Excelling (3 Occurrences)
... power. (WEB NIV). Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I saw all labor and every skilful
work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This ...
/e/excelling.htm - 7k

Enviable (1 Occurrence)

/e/enviable.htm - 6k

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