ζέω (zeō)
zeō
be fervent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb zeō literally means to boil or be hot, describing water at its most intense temperature. In Scripture, this physical image transfers to the human spirit, indicating a state of burning zeal or fervor. It appears in only two verses, both urging believers to maintain this inner heat rather than letting it cool into indifference.
Paul uses this word in Romans 12:11 to command Christians to be zealous in spirit, serving the Lord with passion. Similarly, Acts 18:25 describes Apollos as fervent in spirit while teaching about Jesus. The sources note that this boiling energy can apply to anger or love, but here it signifies a dedicated, active commitment to God.
This term captures more than simple enthusiasm; it suggests a sustained, intense heat. Translators often render it "fervent" or "zealous," preserving the sense of something actively bubbling up from within. The word reminds readers that spiritual vitality requires constant energy, much like water that must remain hot to fulfill its nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zeō paints a vivid picture of spiritual life as something that must stay hot to be effective. It describes a state of burning zeal, much like water at its boiling point. This image reminds us that faith is not meant to be lukewarm or passive. Instead, it calls for an inner energy that bubbles up from a deep connection with God.
In Romans 12:11, Paul urges believers to be fervent in spirit while serving the Lord. This suggests that our service should flow from a place of passionate commitment rather than mere duty. When we allow this divine heat to warm our hearts, our actions naturally reflect a genuine love for Christ and those around us.
Similarly, Acts 18:25 shows Apollos using this fervor to teach accurately about Jesus. His passion did not replace truth but fueled his desire to share it clearly. We can learn from this example that true spiritual vitality combines intense emotion with faithful understanding. May your own spirit remain warm and active in your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being fervent,1×
- being fervent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ζέων1×
- ζέοντες,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:11
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,
Paul uses this term to command Christians to maintain an active, burning zeal in their service to the Lord, contrasting it with spiritual laziness.
-
Acts 18:25
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.
The text describes Apollos as fervent in spirit, showing how this inner heat drives accurate and passionate teaching about Jesus despite incomplete knowledge.