[Greek] ζέω (zeō), [Latin] fervere: to have great fervor, to show enthusiasm, to boil, to seethe, to be hot, to be earnest, to be jealous, to envy; Act. 18:25, Rom. 12:11
Zeus throws glowing thunderbolts from Mt. Olympus
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, indicating kinetic movement and energy, means to well up, to bubble, to boil, and to glow. This movement can be illustrated by the raging sea, fermenting wine, and boiling water. Homer’s Illiad mentions water boiling in a bronze cauldron. Objects, when their molecules are agitated, will start to glow. Hesiod mentions Zeus throwing glowing thunderbolts from Mount Olympus. In addition to its literal use, this term can be presented in a metaphorical sense. Aristotle defines anger (intense emotions) as a painful desire for revenge caused by a real or apparent slight.
Old Testament: This specific related Hebrew term is infrequently used in the Old Testament. Interestingly, ordinary objects are used (illustrated), leading to unfortunate, or unsettling results. Such examples include spoiled manna, fermenting wine, a seething pot, and a boiling cauldron. A burst wineskin leads to spilled wine. These items relate to Moses’ displeasure, Job’s anger, judgment of Israel, and rage. The manna became wormy and rotten. Therefore, Moses was displeased with them (Ex.16:20). Like a new wineskin under new pressure, my bosom is ready to burst (Job.32:19). Then pile the wood beneath the pot; bring it to a boil these pieces and joints that are in it (Ezek.24:5). O bitter was that day- and yet not bitter- when that bitter tyrant of the Greeks quenched fire with fire in his cruel cauldrons, and in his burning range brought those seven sons of the daughter of Abraham to the catapult and back again to more torture (4 Macc.17:20).
New Testament: This term, used only twice, refers to the welling or bursting out in a positive sense by the Holy Spirit. This sense is related to the idea of wine bursting from an old wineskin (Mk.2:22). One does not pour new wine into an old wineskin. The old wineskin, already stretched, cannot contain the additional fermentation produced by the new wine. Therefore, the old wineskin bursts. As a result, both wine and wineskin are ruined. These scripture refers to being stirred up by the Holy Spirit to use one’s talents (abilities) to promote the gospel as a Christian.
Scriptures:
“Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in Spirit, serve the Lord.” Rom.12:11
It is the duty (responsibility) to fully develop their energy, talents, and abilities as Christians.
“Apollos had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent Spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew the only the baptism of John.” Act. 18:25
Reference is made to Apollos’ natural gifts in the previous scripture. It is the Holy Spirit who allows Apollos to teach accurately.
Conclusion:
Zeal, zealous, zealotry, zealot
I am not surprised that in the Greek Hellennistic era, this term would be conveyed in a variety of ways. This is illustrated by the many philosophers and writers (playwrights). The Greek tragedy was a very important venue which provided a important spotlight on the human condition.
It is interesting to note that ordinary objects and items were used in scripture to convey misfortune, disaster, and trouble. Most notably, this is illustrated when new wine is put in an old wineskin. The old wineskin, unable to contain the new wine’s fermentation, will burst.
I think it is important that scripture alludes to one’s own natural gifts, talents, and abilities. Quite often it is by the stirring of the Holy Spirit that these gifts burst out of the person. It is the duty of the Christian to fully develop their energy, abilities, and talents in order to serve the Lord.