ζηλόω (zēloō)
zēloō
be eager
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb zēloō describes a state of intense eagerness or burning desire. While it can carry a negative sense of envy or jealousy, as seen in Acts 7:9 where Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him, its most frequent usage in the New Testament is positive. It signifies a fervent zeal for what is good, such as spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 14:1.
This word captures the energy of pursuing something with all one’s heart. In Galatians 4:17, Paul uses it to describe false teachers who are zealous to win over believers, illustrating how this drive can be misdirected toward selfish ends. Conversely, in 2 Corinthians 11:2, he expresses a godly jealousy, wanting the Corinthians to remain devoted to Christ alone.
Its root conveys heat and boiling passion, distinguishing it from calm preference. Translators often render it as "zeal" or "eagerly desire," reflecting its dynamic nature. The word highlights that true spiritual enthusiasm is not passive but an active, consuming pursuit of what God values.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zēloō captures a burning passion that refuses to be passive. It describes an intense eagerness for what matters most, whether that is spiritual growth or something else entirely. In our daily lives, this energy can drive us toward God’s best or pull us into selfish rivalry. The key is directing that heat toward what is good and true.
When we seek spiritual gifts with this kind of fervor, as Paul encourages in 1 Corinthians 14:1, we align our hearts with God’s purposes. This isn’t about cold duty but a lively desire to serve and grow. It invites us to examine what we pursue with such intensity, ensuring it reflects the love and truth of Christ.
May your own desires be shaped by this holy zeal, leading you closer to the One who satisfies every deep longing. Let your passion for God’s work overflow into kindness and service, reflecting His grace to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do earnestly desire2×
- you may be zealous after.1×
- to be zealous1×
- is envious,1×
- having envied1×
- do be desirous of1×
- covet1×
- They are zealous after1×
- I am jealous as to1×
- Having become jealous1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ζηλοῦτε4×
- ζηλῶ1×
- ζηλώσαντες1×
- ζηλοῦτε.1×
- ζηλοῦσιν1×
- ζηλοῦσθαι1×
- ζηλοῖ,1×
- Ζηλώσαντες1×
Key Verses
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Galatians 4:18
But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.
Paul affirms that being zealous in a good cause is always beneficial, not just when he is physically present.