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 verb ζηλόω (zēlóō), `{{G2206}}`, is derived from the noun ζῆλος (zēlos), `{{G2205}}`, which denotes an intense ardor, fervent emotion, or zeal. Consequently, zēlóō signifies to be zealous, to burn with zeal, or to be fervent. Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing both positive and negative connotations depending on the context and the object of the zeal.
* **Positive Connotation**: When directed towards good, zēlóō means to be eager for, to desire earnestly, to strive for, or to be zealous *for* something commendable. This includes a fervent pursuit of spiritual gifts, good works, or a righteous devotion to God. It implies a commendable passion, earnestness, or even a protective, godly jealousy.
* **Negative Connotation**: When directed towards evil or arising from ill-will, zēlóō means to be envious, to be jealous *of* someone or something, or to covet. This implies a destructive, often resentful, passion that can lead to strife and sin.
The ambiguity of zēlóō underscores the importance of discerning the nature and direction of one's fervent emotions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of ζηλόω in the New Testament vividly illustrates its dual nature:
* **Positive Zeal (Earnest Desire, Godly Jealousy)**:
* In [[1 Corinthians 12:31]] and [[1 Corinthians 14:1]], Paul exhorts believers to "earnestly desire" (ζηλοῦτε) the greater spiritual gifts and spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Here, zēlóō is a positive command, urging active pursuit of divine enablement for the edification of the church.
* [[Galatians 4:18]] speaks of being "zealously affected" (ζηλοῦσθαι) for what is good, emphasizing that a fervent passion for righteousness is always commendable, not just when Paul is present.
* Paul uses zēlóō to describe his own protective concern for the Corinthians in [[2 Corinthians 11:2]]: "For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy" (ζηλῶ γὰρ ὑμᾶς θεοῦ ζήλῳ). This is not human envy but a holy, possessive passion, akin to God's own jealousy, aimed at preserving their purity and fidelity to Christ.
* [[Titus 2:14]] describes Christ's redemptive work as purifying a people for Himself who are "zealous for good works" (ζηλωτὴν καλῶν ἔργων), indicating a fervent eagerness to perform righteous deeds as a mark of genuine discipleship.
* **Negative Zeal (Envy, Malicious Jealousy, Covetousness)**:
* [[Acts 7:9]] recounts how Joseph's brothers "were jealous" (ζηλώσαντες) of him, leading to their betrayal and sale of him into slavery. This is a clear instance of destructive envy.
* In [[Acts 13:45]], when the Jews saw the crowds responding to Paul's preaching, they "were filled with jealousy" (ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου) and contradicted him. This jealousy stemmed from resentment at the Gentiles' acceptance of the gospel and a perceived threat to their own religious standing.
* Similarly, [[Acts 17:5]] describes some Jews "becoming jealous" (ζηλώσαντες) and forming a mob against Paul and Silas, illustrating a hostile reaction to the spread of the Christian message.
* [[Romans 10:19]] cites Deuteronomy, where God declares He will make Israel "jealous" (παραζηλώσω) by a foolish nation. This is God's pedagogical jealousy, designed to provoke His people to repentance and renewed devotion, albeit through a negative human emotion.
* [[James 4:2]] condemns the covetous desire that leads to conflict: "You covet" (ζηλοῦτε) and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. Here, zēlóō is explicitly linked to sinful, unfulfilled desire.
* Crucially, [[1 Corinthians 13:4]] states that love "does not envy" (οὐ ζηλοῖ), directly contrasting the destructive nature of zēlóō with the essence of Christian love.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ζῆλος (zēlos) `{{G2205}}`**: The root noun, meaning zeal, ardor, or jealousy/envy. zēlóō is the verbal expression of this noun.
* **ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs) `{{G2207}}`**: A noun meaning "zealot" or one who is zealous. It can refer to a member of the Jewish nationalist party (e.g., Simon the Zealot in [[Luke 6:15]]) or more generally to someone characterized by intense zeal for a cause, such as being "zealous for the law" ([[Acts 21:20]]).
* **φθόνος (phthonos) `{{G5355}}`**: Envy, ill-will, grudging. While zēlóō can describe the *action* or *state* of being envious, phthonos specifically denotes the *feeling* of resentment or displeasure at another's good fortune. Phthonos is consistently negative.
* **ἐπιθυμία (epithymia) `{{G1939}}`**: Desire, longing, often with a negative connotation of lust or covetousness. zēlóō can overlap with the covetous aspect of epithymia, but epithymia is a broader term for all kinds of desires.
* **Righteous Indignation**: In contexts where God or a godly person (like Paul) expresses "jealousy," it aligns with a righteous indignation against unfaithfulness or sin, aiming to restore purity and proper relationship rather than to harm.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of ζηλόω reveals a profound theological truth about human passion: it is morally neutral until directed.
* **God's Holy Jealousy**: The concept of God being a "jealous God" (e.g., [[Exodus 20:5]], [[Deuteronomy 4:24]]) is echoed in the New Testament. This divine jealousy is not a human flaw but a manifestation of His absolute holiness, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, and His demand for the exclusive devotion of His people. It is a protective love that seeks to preserve the purity and undivided allegiance of those He has chosen.
* **Sanctified Passion**: Believers are called to harness their inherent capacity for fervor and direct it towards righteous ends. This "good zeal" involves an earnest desire for spiritual gifts, a fervent commitment to good works, and an ardent pursuit of God's will. It is a mark of spiritual vitality and a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit.
* **Condemnation of Sinful Envy**: Conversely, zēlóō in its negative, envious form is a work of the flesh ([[Galatians 5:20]]) and a source of conflict and disorder ([[James 3:16]]). It is rooted in self-centeredness, a lack of love for one's neighbor, and a failure to trust in God's provision. The New Testament consistently condemns this form of zēlóō as antithetical to the character of Christ and the unity of the body.
* **Transformation of the Heart**: The existence of zēlóō in both its positive and negative forms underscores the need for spiritual transformation. The same intense emotional capacity that can lead to destructive envy can, when yielded to God and empowered by the Spirit, be redirected to fervent love, evangelistic zeal, and an earnest pursuit of righteousness.
### Summary
ζηλόω (zēlóō) is a dynamic Greek verb that describes an intense warmth of feeling or fervent passion. Its meaning spans a critical spectrum, from a commendable, earnest desire for spiritual good and a protective, godly jealousy, to a destructive, sinful envy and covetousness. The New Testament employs zēlóō to both encourage the pursuit of righteous endeavors and to condemn the corrosive effects of unholy jealousy. Ultimately, the word serves as a powerful reminder that human passions, while potent, must be sanctified and directed by God's Spirit towards His glory and the edification of His people, rather than yielding to the destructive impulses of the flesh.
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