### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **φθόνος (phthónos)**, represented by `{{G5355}}`, defines a form of **envy** rooted in ill-will and spite. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. This term signifies not just a simple desire for what another has, but a spiteful jealousy that often includes detraction and malice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5355}}` is consistently presented as a destructive vice. It is listed as a sin that believers must lay aside, alongside malice, guile, and hypocrisy [[1 Peter 2:1]]. It is identified as the motivation behind the chief priests delivering Jesus for crucifixion ([[Matthew 27:18]], [[Mark 15:10]]). The apostle Paul includes **envy** in a list of works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God [[Galatians 5:21]]. It is also described as a characteristic of the former, unregenerate life, where people lived in malice and **envy**, hating one another [[Titus 3:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the corrupting nature of `{{G5355}}`:
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (strife): This word for quarreling or contention is frequently paired with envy. It appears alongside envy as a motivation for preaching Christ [[Philippians 1:15]] and as a result of doting about questions and strifes of words [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (malice): Defined as badness or depravity, this term often appears with envy to describe a state of deep-seated wickedness. Believers are called to lay aside all **malice** and **envies** [[1 Peter 2:1]], and it is part of the description of the old life [[Titus 3:3]].
* `{{G5408}}` **phónos** (murder): The inclusion of **murder** in lists alongside envy underscores its serious nature. Envy is listed just before **murders** in [[Galatians 5:21]], and a person full of **envy** is also described as full of **murder** in [[Romans 1:29]].
* `{{G1388}}` **dólos** (deceit): Meaning a trick, wile, or guile, this term is associated with the underhanded nature of envy. In [[Romans 1:29]], those full of envy are also full of **deceit**, and in [[1 Peter 2:1]], believers are instructed to lay aside both **guile** and **envies**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5355}}` is significant, highlighting it as a potent spiritual poison.
* **A Root of Heinous Sin:** Scripture presents **envy** not as a passive feeling but as an active motivator for evil. It was **envy** that directly led the religious leaders to deliver Jesus to be killed [[Matthew 27:18]].
* **Evidence of a Carnal State:** The presence of **envy** is treated as evidence of a life governed by the flesh rather than the Spirit. It is a key item in the list of "works of the flesh" that bar entry into God's kingdom [[Galatians 5:21]].
* **A Consequence of Pride:** In [[1 Timothy 6:4]], **envy** is shown to be a direct result of being proud and doting on "questions and strifes of words," which demonstrates a connection between intellectual arrogance and relational corruption.
* **Antithetical to the Christian Life:** Believers are commanded to put away **envy** [[1 Peter 2:1]], as it is part of a life characterized by being foolish, disobedient, and hateful [[Titus 3:3]], which is contrary to the new life in Christ.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5355}}` is far more than a simple feeling of jealousy. It is a malicious spite and ill-will that the Bible portrays as a foundational sin. It is shown to be a corrupting influence that breeds strife, deceit, and even murder. As a work of the flesh and a characteristic of the unredeemed life, **envy** stands in direct opposition to the character God desires for His people, marking it as a vice that must be decisively laid aside.
TRV