"generous rivalry; noble aspiration; in NT zeal, ardor in behalf of, ardent affection, Jn. 2:17; Rom. 10:2; in a bad sense, jealousy, envy, malice, Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; indignation, wrath, Acts 5:17"
Definition and meaning
generous rivalry; noble aspiration; in NT zeal, ardor in behalf of, ardent affection, Jn. 2:17; Rom. 10:2; in a bad sense, jealousy, envy, malice, Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; indignation, wrath, Acts 5:17
In the original Greek the word is written: ζῆλος
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of zelos (G2205) across the King James Bible.
And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him,(which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
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Common questions
Strong's G2205 (zelos) is a Greek word that means: generous rivalry; noble aspiration; in NT zeal, ardor in behalf of, ardent affection, Jn. 2:17; Rom. 10:2; in a bad sense, jealousy, envy, malice, Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; indignation, wrath, Acts 5:17 It appears 17 times in the King James Bible.
The word zelos (G2205) appears 17 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2205 is zelos, a Greek word defined as: generous rivalry; noble aspiration; in NT zeal, ardor in behalf of, ardent affection, Jn. 2:17; Rom. 10:2; in a bad sense, jealousy, envy, malice, Act. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
zelos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.