Topical Bible: Zeal

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Etymology:
Zeal is a fervent and enthusiastic devotion or diligence toward a cause, person, or object. In the biblical context, it often refers to an intense passion for God and His commandments. The term is derived from the Greek word "zelos," which conveys the idea of ardor or fervor.

Biblical Usage and Context:
Zeal is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often associated with a righteous fervor for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. It is depicted both positively and negatively, depending on the object and motivation of the zeal.

Positive Aspects of Zeal:
1. Zeal for God: The Bible commends zeal when it is directed toward God and His purposes. In Numbers 25:11, Phinehas is praised for his zeal in upholding God's honor, which turned away God's wrath from the Israelites. Similarly, in John 2:17, Jesus' cleansing of the temple is described with the words, "Zeal for Your house will consume Me," reflecting His passionate commitment to the sanctity of God's house.

2. Zeal in Service: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of zeal in the context of Christian service and ministry. In Romans 12:11, believers are exhorted to "never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This highlights the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and dedication in one's spiritual duties.

3. Zeal for Good Works: Titus 2:14 describes Jesus Christ as one who "gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Here, zeal is linked to a life characterized by good works and moral integrity.

Negative Aspects of Zeal:
1. Misguided Zeal: The Bible also warns against zeal that is not based on knowledge or is misdirected. In Romans 10:2, Paul speaks of the Israelites, saying, "For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge." This indicates that zeal, when not grounded in truth, can lead to error and misguided actions.

2. Zeal for Personal Gain: In Philippians 3:6, Paul reflects on his past life, describing himself as "zealous for the traditions of my fathers." His former zeal was misplaced, as it was rooted in legalism and self-righteousness rather than a true understanding of God's grace.

Zeal in the Life of Believers:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a balanced zeal that is informed by Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. This involves a passionate commitment to God's will, a fervent love for others, and a diligent pursuit of holiness. In Revelation 3:19, Jesus admonishes the church in Laodicea, saying, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." Here, earnestness is synonymous with zeal, urging believers to be fervent in their repentance and devotion.

Conclusion:
Zeal, when properly directed, is a powerful force for advancing God's kingdom and living a life that honors Him. It is essential for believers to ensure that their zeal is rooted in a deep understanding of God's Word and motivated by love for Him and others.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

An earnest temper; may be enlightened (Numbers 25:11-13; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 9:2), or ignorant and misdirected (Romans 10:2; Philippians 3:6). As a Christian grace, it must be grounded on right principles and directed to right ends (Galatians 4:18). It is sometimes ascribed to God (2 Kings 19:31; Isaiah 9:7; 37:32; Ezek. 5:13).

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in favor of a person or cause; ardent and active interest; engagedness; enthusiasm; fervor.

2. (n.) A zealot.

3. (v. i.) To be zealous.

Greek

1616. ekteneia -- zeal, intentness
... zeal, intentness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ekteneia Phonetic
Spelling: (ek-ten'-i-ah) Short Definition: earnestness, strenuousness ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1616.htm - 6k

2205b. zelos -- zeal, jealousy
... 2205a, 2205b. zelos. 2206 . zeal, jealousy. Transliteration: zelos Short
Definition: jealousy. Word Origin probably from zeo Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2205b.htm - 5k

2205. zelos -- to have warmth of feeling for or against, to be ...
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine; Noun, Neuter Transliteration: zelos Phonetic Spelling:
(dzay'-los) Short Definition: eagerness, zeal, rivalry Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2205.htm - 7k

993. Boanerges -- Boanerges, an epithet applied to the two sons of ...
... like the surname Peter (this being the only instance of its occurrence). . It
is justified by the impetuosity and zeal which characterized both the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/993.htm - 8k

2208. Zelotes -- the Zealot, a member of a Jewish political party
... 2208 (a proper noun, sharing the same form as 2207 , "one with zeal," J. Thayer) -- ;
a member of the extremist party in Judaism known as (2208 ). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2208.htm - 6k

2206. zeloo -- to be jealous
... 2206 (an onomatopoetic word, imitating the sound of boiling water) -- properly,
to bubble over because (); (figuratively) "to burn with zeal" (J. Thayer); "to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2206.htm - 7k

141. hairetikos -- causing division
... to choose, have a distinctive opinion") -- a person, specializing in half-truths
and misimpressions "to win others over" to their ( zeal) -- while creating ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/141.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

7068. qinah -- ardor, zeal, jealousy
... 7067, 7068. qinah. 7069 . ardor, zeal, jealousy. Transliteration: qinah Phonetic
Spelling: (kin-aw') Short Definition: jealousy. ... envyied, jealousy, zeal. ...
/hebrew/7068.htm - 6k

7065. qanah -- to be jealous or zealous
... 4), envy (2), jealous (14), jealousy (1), made him jealous (1), made me jealous
(1), provoked him to jealousy (1), provokes to jealousy (1), zeal (1), zealous ...
/hebrew/7065.htm - 6k

149. adrazda -- correctly, exactly
... 148, 149. adrazda. 150 . correctly, exactly. Transliteration: adrazda
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-raz-daw') Short Definition: zeal. Word ...
/hebrew/149.htm - 5k

2734. charah -- to burn or be kindled with anger
... A primitive root (compare charar); to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually)
to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy -- be angry, burn, be displeased, X ...
/hebrew/2734.htm - 6k

Library

Zeal.
... L. ZEAL. 13th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke 10. 23. ... SUBJECT."What we need is
more zeal, more enthusiasm, more earnestness in our quest. ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/l zeal.htm

Impure Zeal
... THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS IMPURE ZEAL. 'And ... Israel. Jehu was influenced by 'zeal
for the Lord,' however much smoke mingled with the flame. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/impure zeal.htm

Religious Zeal.
... LXV. RELIGIOUS ZEAL. Dedication Festival Psalm 69. 9. "The zeal of Thine house
hath eaten me up.". INTRODUCTION."David spoke the truth. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxv religious zeal.htm

Whether Zeal is an Effect of Love?
... OF THE EFFECTS OF LOVE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether zeal is an effect of love? Objection
1: It would seem that zeal is not an effect of love. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether zeal is an effect.htm

On Zeal
... Second Series Sermon 92 On Zeal. "It is good to be always zealously affected
in a good thing." Gal.4:18. 1. There are few subjects ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 92 on zeal.htm

Of Zeal and Diligence
... OF ZEAL AND DILIGENCE. Out of this generosity there spring a supernatural
zeal and diligence in all virtues and all that is seemly. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xx of zeal and.htm

Twenty-Second Day. Holy Zeal.
... Twenty-second Day. HOLY ZEAL. "The zeal of Thine house hath eaten me
up.""John, ii.17. "Zeal, is a principle; enthusiasm is a feeling. ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-second day holy zeal.htm

True Zeal.
... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 401. " True Zeal. 401. CM Newton. True
Zeal. 1 Zeal is that pure and heavenly flame The fire of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/401 true zeal.htm

Of the Zeal of Concupiscence.
... LXIV."Of the Zeal of Concupiscence. In desiring, thence thou perishest,
whilst thou art burning with envy of thy neighbour. Thou ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/lxiv of the zeal of concupiscence.htm

True and False Zeal.
... VI. CAUTIONS. Hymn 70 True and false zeal. John Newton 8,6,8,6. True and false zeal.
Zeal is that pure and heav'nly flame,. The fire of love supplies; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 70 true and false.htm

Thesaurus

Zeal (45 Occurrences)
...Zeal (45 Occurrences). John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written,
"Zeal for your house will eat me up." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zeal.htm - 21k

Zealous (40 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Filled with, or characterized by, zeal; warmly engaged, or ardent,
in behalf of an object. 2. (a.) Filled with religious zeal. ...
/z/zealous.htm - 18k

Zealot (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who engages earnestly warmly in any cause,
especially, one who is overzealous, or carried away by his zeal; one absorbed in ...
/z/zealot.htm - 12k

Fervent (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Ardent; earnest; full of zeal; burning. 2.
(a.) Hot; glowing; boiling; burning; as, a fervent summer. Int. ...
/f/fervent.htm - 11k

Enthusiasm (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Enkindled and kindling fervor of soul; strong excitement of feeling on behalf
of a cause or a subject; ardent and imaginative zeal or interest; as, he ...
/e/enthusiasm.htm - 7k

Ardent (7 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Warm, applied to the passions and affections; passionate; fervent; zealous;
vehement; as, ardent love, feelings, zeal, hope, temper. ...
/a/ardent.htm - 9k

Concern (35 Occurrences)
... 7 and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted
in you, while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me ...
/c/concern.htm - 16k

Forwardness (2 Occurrences)
... before it was ready for planting. Forwardness is the translation of spoude,
"speed," "zeal," etc. (2 Corinthians 8:8, the Revised ...
/f/forwardness.htm - 13k

Survivors (49 Occurrences)
... of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children
of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to kill them in his zeal for the ...
/s/survivors.htm - 21k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... Notwithstanding all this apparent zeal for the worship of Jehovah, Jehu yet
tolerated the worship of the golden calves at Dan and Bethel. ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Resources

Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org

Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Zeal (45 Occurrences)

John 2:17
His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 5:17
And having risen, the chief priest, and all those with him -- being the sect of the Sadducees -- were filled with zeal,
(YLT)

Acts 13:45
and the Jews having seen the multitudes, were filled with zeal, and did contradict the things spoken by Paul -- contradicting and speaking evil.
(YLT)

Acts 18:25
He had been instructed by word of mouth in the way of the Lord, and, being full of burning zeal, he used to speak and teach accurately the facts about Jesus, though he knew of no baptism but John's.
(WEY)

Romans 10:2
For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 12:8
or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
(See RSV)

Romans 12:11
Do not be indolent when zeal is required. Be thoroughly warm-hearted, the Lord's own servants,
(WEY DBY RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 7:7
and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV)

2 Corinthians 7:11
For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

2 Corinthians 7:12
So then, if also I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of him that injured, nor for the sake of him that was injured, but for the sake of our diligent zeal for you being manifested to you before God.
(DBY RSV)

2 Corinthians 8:7
Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech, knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you, implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving also flourishes in you.
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 8:8
I do not speak as commanding it, but through the zeal of others, and proving the genuineness of your love.
(DBY)

2 Corinthians 8:16
But thanks be to God, who gives the same diligent zeal for you in the heart of Titus.
(DBY)

2 Corinthians 8:17
For he received indeed the entreaty, but, being full of zeal, he went of his own accord to you;
(DBY)

2 Corinthians 8:22
And we send with them our brother, of whose zeal we have had frequent proof in many matters, and who is now more zealous than ever through the strong confidence which he has in you.
(WEY DBY NIV)

2 Corinthians 9:2
for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

2 Corinthians 11:2
for I am zealous for you with zeal of God, for I did betroth you to one husband, a pure virgin, to present to Christ,
(Root in YLT)

Galatians 6:12
All who desire to display their zeal for external observances try to compel you to receive circumcision, but their real object is simply to escape being persecuted for the Cross of Christ.
(WEY)

Philippians 3:6
concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 4:13
For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
(WEB KJV WBS YLT)

Hebrews 10:27
but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery zeal, about to devour the opposers;
(YLT)

James 3:14
and if bitter zeal ye have, and rivalry in your heart, glory not, nor lie against the truth;
(YLT)

James 3:16
for where zeal and rivalry 'are', there is insurrection and every evil matter;
(YLT)

Numbers 25:11
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.
(Root in KJV WBS YLT NIV)

Deuteronomy 29:20
Jehovah is not willing to be propitious to him, for then doth the anger of Jehovah smoke, also His zeal, against that man, and lain down on him hath all the oath which is written in this book, and Jehovah hath blotted out his name from under the heavens,
(YLT NIV)

2 Samuel 21:2
The king called the Gibeonites, and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah);
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:16
He said, "Come with me, and see my zeal for Yahweh." So they made him ride in his chariot.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 19:31
For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go out, and out of Mount Zion those who shall escape. The zeal of Yahweh will perform this.'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezra 7:23
Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
(See NAS)

Psalms 69:9
For the zeal of your house consumes me. The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 119:139
My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 19:2
It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
(WEB NIV)

Ecclesiastes 9:6
Their love and their hate and their envy are now ended; and they have no longer a part for ever in anything which is done under the sun.
(See NAS)

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 26:11
Yahweh, your hand is lifted up, yet they don't see; but they will see your zeal for the people, and be disappointed. Yes, fire will consume your adversaries.
(WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 37:32
For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go forth, and survivors will escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 42:13
Yahweh will go out like a mighty man. He will stir up zeal like a man of war. He will raise a war cry. Yes, he will shout aloud. He will triumph over his enemies.
(WEB ASV YLT NAS NIV)

Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; and he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Isaiah 63:15
Look down from heaven, and see from the habitation of your holiness and of your glory: where are your zeal and your mighty acts? the yearning of your heart and your compassion is restrained toward me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 5:13
Thus shall my anger be accomplished, and I will cause my wrath toward them to rest, and I shall be comforted; and they shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my zeal, when I have accomplished my wrath on them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Ezekiel 36:5
therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom, that have appointed my land to themselves for a possession with the joy of all their heart, with despite of soul, to cast it out for a prey.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 38:19
And in My zeal, in the fire of My wrath, I have spoken: Is there not in that day a great rushing on the land of Israel?
(YLT NAS NIV)

Zephaniah 3:8
"Therefore wait for me," says Yahweh, "until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
(See NAS)

Zechariah 1:14
And the messenger who is speaking with me, saith unto me, 'Call, saying: Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: I have been zealous for Jerusalem, and for Zion 'with' great zeal.
(Root in YLT)

Zechariah 8:2
Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: I have been zealous for Zion with great zeal, With great heat I have been zealous for her.
(Root in YLT)

Subtopics

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas

Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel

Religious Zeal without Knowledge