ζηλόω

zēlóō /dzay-lo'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ζῆλος
Meaningto have warmth of feeling for or against
KJV usageaffect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous(-ly affect).
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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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 12 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 3×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Infinitive 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 11 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in 1 Corinthians (4 verses).

2
Acts
4
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
2
Galatians
1
James
1
Revelation

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