Toxic Envy Exposed: φθονέω (Strong’s G5354: phthoneo) Corrupts Christian Community

Strong’s G5354: From phthonos; to be jealous of (through the idea of deficiency); by implication, to covet, maliciously envy, showing ill-will – describes a deep-seated feeling of displeasure caused by witnessing the advantage or prosperity of others, often leading to resentful or hostile behavior.

U- Unveiling the Word

φθονέω represents one of the most destructive emotions in biblical Greek, describing an active and malicious form of envy that goes beyond mere jealousy. While jealousy (zēlos) can sometimes have positive connotations, φθονέω always carries a negative moral weight. It stems from a sense of personal inadequacy and manifests as resentment toward others’ success or blessings. In the New Testament context, it particularly threatens Christian community by undermining the unity and mutual rejoicing that should characterize believers. The early church fathers, including John Chrysostom, frequently warned against this sin, seeing it as particularly dangerous because it corrupts both individual spiritual life and communal harmony. Today, this word speaks powerfully to our social media-saturated culture where comparison and envy often dominate.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φθονέω, phthoneo, fthon-EH-oh
• Pronunciation: /fθɒnˈeɪoʊ/ (f-thon-EH-oh)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: φθόνος (phthonos) – envy, ill-will
• -έω (-eō) – verbal suffix indicating ongoing action
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰen- meaning “to strike down, harm”

D – Defining Meanings

• To envy maliciously
• To feel ill-will towards someone
• To be jealous with harmful intent
• To begrudge another’s success

For compound words: Not a compound word, but the -έω suffix indicates ongoing action or state of being, emphasizing the continuous nature of the envious feeling.

Translation Options:

• “To maliciously envy” – captures both the emotional and active aspects
• “To begrudge” – emphasizes the resentful attitude
• “To feel spiteful envy” – combines both emotion and ill-intent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ζηλόω (zēloō) /dzay-LO-oh/ – to be zealous or jealous, but can be positive or negative. See G2206
• βασκαίνω (baskainō) /bas-KAI-no/ – to bewitch, fascinate with evil intent. See G940
• παραζηλόω (parazēloō) /para-dzay-LO-oh/ – to provoke to jealousy. See G3863

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, φθονέω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Generally imperfective in present stem, perfective in aorist

The present tense form φθονέω would become ἐφθόνησα in aorist, showing the typical augment (ἐ-) and tense stem change. The -έω ending conjugates regularly following the pattern of other contract verbs.

• Cross-references: φθόνος (noun), φθονερός (adjective)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines φθονέω as expressing active ill-will, distinguishing it from mere jealousy. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to a sense of personal deprivation. LSJ traces its classical usage, showing its consistent negative connotations across Greek literature. Vine’s notes its single New Testament occurrence, highlighting its place among the “works of the flesh.” Strong’s connects it to the concept of deficiency-driven behavior. LEH provides Septuagint context, where it often translates Hebrew terms for intense jealousy. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence shows its common usage in personal letters complaining about others’ success, suggesting its prevalence in everyday life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26

Additional References:
Matthew 27:18, Mark 15:10, Romans 1:29, Philippians 1:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φθονέω represents a particularly poisonous form of envy that actively wishes ill upon others. Its single New Testament usage in Galatians 5:26 powerfully warns against allowing such attitudes to corrupt Christian community. The good news of King Jesus transforms this natural human tendency toward envy into celebration of others’ blessings, recognizing that in His kingdom, another’s gain doesn’t diminish our own inheritance. Through the Holy Spirit’s work, believers can overcome φθονέω by embracing their identity as co-heirs with the Messiah, where comparison gives way to completion in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. φθονέω was considered so dangerous in ancient Greek culture that it was often associated with the “evil eye” and supernatural harm.
2. Early Christian writers saw φθονέω as the root sin that led to Satan’s rebellion and humanity’s fall.
3. The word’s Indo-European root *gʷʰen- also gives us the English word “defend,” showing how language can evolve from hostile to protective meanings.

Strong’s G5354: From phthonos; to be jealous of (through the idea of deficiency); by implication, to covet, maliciously envy, showing ill-will – describes a deep-seated feeling of displeasure caused by witnessing the advantage or prosperity of others, often leading to resentful or hostile behavior.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: envy, jealousy, sin, works of flesh, community, relationships, unity, character, emotions, vices, Galatians, spiritual warfare​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​