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.
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.
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.
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.
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