The New Testament Greek Words
for "Jealousy" and "Envy"
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Both are the same word in the Greek New Testament!
zeloo
to be jealous -
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(in a good sense) to strive, desire, exert oneself earnestly;
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... for something (if a thing is the object) - Example: 1 Corinthians 12:31 (for
spiritual gifts)
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to be deeply concerned about someone, to court someone's favor (a person
is the object) - Example: Galatians 4:17a
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the expression of zeal (in an absolute sense) - Example: Galatians 4:18
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(in a bad sense) to be filled with jealousy, envy - Example: Acts 17:5
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Verses that use this word:
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Acts 7:9; 17:5; 1 Corinthians 12:31; 13:4; 14:1,39; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Galatians 4:17-18;
James 4:2
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Revelation 3:19 [KJV only; others have zeleuo, below.]
zeleuo
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(a different form of zeloo, but basically the same meaning): to be eager,
earnest
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Verses that use this word:
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Revelation 3:19 [KJV uses the above form of the word, zeloo]
zelotes
zealot, enthusiast:
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one who ardently desires [to join, promote, actively support, possess or
defend someone or something] - Example: Acts 22:3 (zealous for God)
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a Zealot, a member of a fanatical Jewish political party
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Verses that use this word:
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Acts 21:20; 22:3; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Galatians 1:14; Titus 2:14
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1 Peter 3:13 [KJV = uses a word translated "follower" (imitator), but the
meaning is approximately the same (KJV: being a "follower" of what is good;
OTHERS: being "eager" to do what is good)]
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A "Zealot": Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13
zelos
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(in a good sense) zeal, ardor
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(in a bad sense) jealousy, envy
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Verses that use this word:
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John 2:17; Acts 5:17; 13:45; Romans 10:2; 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2
Corinthians 7:7,11;
9:2; 11:2; 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Philippians 3:6; Hebrews 10:27; James 3:14;
3:16
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Colossians 4:13 [KJV only; OTHERS: concern, hard work (KJV: "zealous" in prayer;
OTHERS: "concern" expressed in prayer or "diligence" in praying)]
parazeloo
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to provoke to jealousy, to make jealous
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Verses that use this word:
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Romans 10:19; 11:11,14; 1 Corinthians 10:22
phthonos
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envy
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Verses that use this word:
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Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10; Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:21; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy
6:4; Titus 3:3; James 4:5; 1 Peter 2:1
phthoneo
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to envy
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Verses that use this word:
In the New Testament, this word is always used in a bad sense (except possibly in
James 4:5). This is in contrast with jealous / zealous, which can be either
good or bad.
Dennis Hinks © 1998
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