Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for deeper scriptural comprehension and insights into ancient Greek culture. The word ζῆλος (zēlos) is particularly significant as it is frequently encountered in the New Testament and ancient Greek texts. This word encapsulates a range of meanings from fervent enthusiasm to jealousy, providing nuanced understanding for theological interpretation and cultural context in both the Biblical and classical Greek worlds.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζῆλος, transliterated as zēlos [zay-los].
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from the verb ζέω (zeo), meaning “to boil” or “to be hot,” indicating intensity or fervency.
- The part of speech: Noun, masculine. Declension: Second declension.
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Primary Meanings
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- Zeal, ardor, fervent mind.
- Jealousy, envy, rivalry.
- Enthusiastic devotion or fervor, especially in the context of religious or spiritual passion.
Similar Words: ζῆλος (zēlos) is related to ζῆλος (zelos), [zeh-los], meaning “emulation” or “jealousy,” depending on context. Another related word is ζηλόω (zēloō) [zay-lo-oh], meaning “to be zealous” or “to envy.” While zēlos captures both positive and negative connotations, zēloō specifically describes the action of feeling or expressing zeal or envy.
Further Insights: The noun ζῆλος (zēlos) appears in various contexts, ranging from positive to negative emotions. It describes both fervent devotion and destructive jealousy. Morphologically, it is a second-declension masculine noun. Below is the declension chart for zēlos:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ζῆλος (zēlos) | ζῆλοι (zēloi) |
| Genitive | ζήλου (zēlou) | ζήλων (zēlōn) |
| Dative | ζήλῳ (zēlō) | ζήλοις (zēlois) |
| Accusative | ζῆλον (zēlon) | ζήλους (zēlous) |
| Vocative | ζῆλε (zēle) | ζῆλοι (zēloi) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Notes that ζῆλος can denote both positive zeal (e.g., enthusiasm, fervor for the Lord) and negative connotations like jealousy or envy, depending on the context in which it is used.
Thayer’s Lexicon: Explains ζῆλος as a boiling or burning emotion, often depicted metaphorically. It can refer to both fervent passion for a good cause and an envious or contentious rivalry.
Vines Expository Dictionary: Emphasizes the dual usage of ζῆλος in the New Testament, where it is seen as both righteous zeal (e.g., zeal for God’s work) and negative jealousy.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Details ζῆλος in classical Greek usage primarily as “eagerness” or “zeal,” but also “emulation” and “jealousy,” especially in competitive contexts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ζῆλος as having a dual meaning—heat, fervor, zeal, or jealousy—dependent on the context, from being zealous for good works to displaying envy.
Related Scripture References
- Romans 10:2: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal [ζῆλον] for God, but not according to knowledge.”
- James 3:14: “But if you have bitter envy [ζῆλον] and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.”
- 2 Corinthians 7:11: “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal [ζῆλον], what vindication!”
- Galatians 4:17-18: “They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous [ζηλοῦσθε] for them.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “And if a man were to say that zeal (ζῆλος) is the mark of a man of action.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The men of Persia, full of zeal (ζῆλος) for the battle.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “Envy (ζῆλος) arises among those who are zealous.” |
| Septuagint | Numbers (LXX) | “Phinehas has turned back my wrath with his zeal (ζῆλος) among them.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms (LXX) | “Zeal (ζῆλος) for your house has consumed me.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Maccabees (LXX) | “The zeal (ζῆλος) of Mattathias drove him to stand up.” |
Summary of ζῆλος (G2205)
The Greek word ζῆλος (zēlos) encompasses both positive and negative connotations. In a Biblical context, it can mean fervent devotion and passion for God or destructive jealousy and rivalry. Its usage in classical literature also reflects a wide range of human emotions from admiration to envy, providing rich linguistic and cultural insights into how ancient Greeks and early Christians understood zeal and passion.
Did You Know?
The term ζῆλος (zēlos) is the root of the English word “zeal,” reflecting both its positive sense of passionate enthusiasm and its negative sense of jealousy or rivalry. This dual meaning has influenced not only Biblical translations but also modern languages, emphasizing the complexity and depth of ancient Greek vocabulary.
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