[Greek] ζῆλος (zēlos), [Latin] aemulatio, [Latin] multem laborem: envy, zeal, jealousy, intense desire, eagerness, striving, indignation, fierceness; Jn. 2:17, Acts 5:17, Acts 13:45, Rom.10:2, Rom.13:13, 1Cor.3:3, 2Cor.7:7,11, 2Cor.9:2, 2Cor.11:2, 2Cor.12:20, Gal.5:20, Php.3:6, Col.4:13, Heb.10:27, Jas. 3:14,16
The Stoning of Saint Stephen: painting by Battista Dossi (1525).
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, essentially meaning zeal, envy, and jealousy, is usually dependent on its context (good or bad). Jealousy can be illustrated with eager rivalry, emulation, or praise for others. Zeal can also be illustrated in about boasting in one’s honor and glory. This term also can be considered as one’s literary or personal style. Plutarch’s Life of Theseus 6 states “In like manner Theseus admired the valor of Heracles, until by night his dreams were of the hero’s achievements.” Lysias’ Funeral Orations 2.48 states “A Grecian war arose war arose from envy of what had come to pass, and jealousy of what had been achieved, great was the conceit of all.” Plato’s Republic 550e states “And so, as time goes on, and they advance in pursuit of wealth, the more they hold that in honor the less they honor virtue.” Zelos was the Greek god of rivalry, ambition, emulation, jealousy, and envy.
Old Testament: This term, also meaning jealousy or envy, can apply both to man and God. Jealousy (and envy) finds itself in the human condition and conduct in various contexts. This term pertains to God’s wrath in His relationship to His people. God intervenes when nations disrupt His plans for Israel. God’s zeal is provoked when Israel worships idols. God’s jealousy is like a marital jealousy. Apostasy is likened to adultery. God is jealous that man would put these idols in His place. Interestingly, The Old Testament excludes the Hellenistic Greek notion of celebrating or praising another (or oneself).
Envy and anger shorten one’s life (Sir.30:24). Anger is relentless and wrath overwhelming, but before jealousy who can stand? (Prov.27:4). For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God (Exo.20:5). The Lord’s wrath and jealousy will flare up against that man (Deut.29:20). I will inflict on you the sentences of adulteresses and murdereress (Ezek.16:38). For vindictive is the husband’s wrath, he will have no pity on the day of vengeance (Prov.6:34). Because zeal for Your Father’s house has consumed me (Psa. 69:10).
New Testament: This term conveys jealousy and envy in various contexts and perspectives. This includes ordinary jealousy, religious zeal (or envy), and religious outrage (and anger). Paul uses zeal in the Jewish sense in opposition to the proclamation of the Christian message. Paul approved the murder of Stephen and kept guard of the murderers’ cloaks. Paul illustrates God’s zeal in his concern for his community. Paul also illustrates God’s jealousy in terms of the Old Testament perspective of God. The New Testament community has taken the place of God’s ancient people. The book of James was written to the dispersed Israelites who settled throughout the Greco-Roman world. Not surprisingly, this term, found in James, references the Hellenistic aspects of jealousy, boasting, pride, and ambition.
Etymology: The Latin words multem laborem essentially means much work to be done or energetic with work.
Scripture:
“His disciples recalled the words of scripture, ‘Zeal for your house will consume Me.’” John 2:17
Upon seeing Jesus “cleansing” the temple, the disciples make reference to Psa. 69:10. Jesus was fulfilling scripture in responding to how the temple was being desecrated by money-changers and merchants.
“In zeal I persecuted the church, in righteousness based on the law, I was blameless.” Php. 3:6
Paul recounts his past life as a zealous Pharisees persecuting the Christians. As a Pharisee he zealously followed the Law. Paul warns the Philipians to be aware of legalistic teachers.
“For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” Jas.3:16
James speaks about human boast, pride, and ambition. The qualities of the true wise man are endowed from above.
Conclusion:
Zeal, zealous, zealot
Jealousy and envy, as in all time periods, can be used for both good and bad purposes. The Greco-Roman culture celebrated the health of the body (mind and soul). Not surprisingly, intellectual scholars, like Plato, would often provide a social commentary on the human condition.
God is often depicted with human characteristics, such as wrath and jealousy. God’s jealousy is like a marital jealousy when Israel strays into an adulterous relationship with idols. The Hellenistic notion of pride and ambition evidently was heavily discouraged in the Old Testament era.
The Jewish sense of zeal is illustrated by zealous adherence the Law and by hatred toward Christianity. It is interesting to note that the Hellenistic notion of pride only occurs in the book of James. This book was written to the Jews of the Diaspora who scattered through the Greco Roman world.
I am somewhat envious of all those historians (and others) who have had the opportunity to dive into the past.