from ζῆλος; to have warmth of feeling for or against:--affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous(-ly affect).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **zēlóō**, represented by `{{G2206}}`, describes a "warmth of feeling for or against" someone or something. It appears **12 times** in **11 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is dynamic, encompassing both positive meanings like being zealous and negative ones like being moved with envy or coveting what is not one's own.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G2206}}` is used to illustrate both righteous and sinful motivations. In a negative context, it is the emotion that drove the patriarchs to sell Joseph into Egypt after being "moved with envy" [[Acts 7:9]]. Similarly, unbelieving Jews in Acts were "moved with envy" and caused an uproar in the city [[Acts 17:5]]. However, the term is also used in a positive command, such as in [[Revelation 3:19]], which instructs believers to "be zealous therefore, and repent." This shows that the "warmth of feeling" can be directed toward either ungodly jealousy or fervent repentance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the dual nature of `{{G2206}}`:
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (jealousy, zeal): The noun form from which `{{G2206}}` is derived. It captures the underlying "heat" or ardor, as seen in the "godly jealousy" Paul felt for the Corinthian church [[2 Corinthians 11:2]].
* `{{G26}}` **agápē** (charity, love): This divine love is set in direct opposition to the negative form of `{{G2206}}`. Scripture states that "charity envieth not" [[1 Corinthians 13:4]].
* `{{G1937}}` **epithyméō** (lust, desire): This word for longing or desire is used alongside `{{G2206}}` in [[James 4:2]], where internal "lust" and a desire to have what others possess lead to conflict and war.
* `{{G5486}}` **chárisma** (gift): This term for a divine or spiritual endowment is presented as a proper object for the feeling of `{{G2206}}`. Believers are encouraged to "covet earnestly the best gifts" [[1 Corinthians 12:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2206}}` is found in its portrayal of human desire and passion.
* **Destructive Envy:** When directed wrongly, this "warmth of feeling" becomes a sinful force. It is listed as a trait that true charity `{{G26}}` does not possess [[1 Corinthians 13:4]] and is linked to conflict, fighting, and the inability to obtain what is needed from God [[James 4:2]].
* **Righteous Zeal:** The same passion is commanded for godly pursuits. Believers are told to "desire spiritual gifts" [[1 Corinthians 14:1]] and specifically to "covet to prophesy" [[1 Corinthians 14:39]]. It is presented as a necessary component of repentance [[Revelation 3:19]].
* **Protective Jealousy:** In a unique context, Paul uses `{{G2206}}` to describe his own "godly jealousy" for the Corinthian believers, whom he has espoused to Christ and wishes to present as a "chaste virgin" [[2 Corinthians 11:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2206}}` is a term that captures the intensity of human passion. It is not inherently good or evil, but its moral character is determined by its object. Scripture warns that when this feeling is directed toward others in envy, it leads to sin and division. Conversely, when it is channeled as a zealous desire for spiritual gifts and a right relationship with God, it is a commanded and virtuous pursuit.
TRV