παραζηλόω (parazēloō)
parazēloō
to make envious
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb parazēloō means to provoke someone to jealousy or rivalry. It combines a prefix indicating direction or intensity with the root for zeal, creating a sense of stirring up a competitive spirit. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily in Paul’s letters to Romans and Corinthians.
Paul uses it to describe how God might incite Israel’s jealousy through the inclusion of Gentiles in His plan (Romans 10:19; 11:11, 14). He also warns believers that participating in pagan rituals provokes the Lord’s own jealous anger (1 Corinthians 10:22). The term captures a dynamic where one party’s actions are designed to elicit a strong, often possessive, emotional response from another.
This usage reflects its Old Testament background, where God is depicted as jealous for His covenant people. The word highlights the relational tension in Scripture, showing how divine jealousy serves both as a warning against idolatry and a mechanism for drawing people back to faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parazēloō describes a deliberate action meant to stir up a strong emotional response, often jealousy or rivalry. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to explain how God’s inclusion of Gentiles was intended to awaken Israel to their own spiritual longing. This is not about petty envy, but a deep, relational desire for exclusive devotion.
It also serves as a sobering warning against idolatry. When we engage in practices that dishonor God, we provoke His jealous anger, much like a spouse hurt by betrayal. Yet this divine jealousy is rooted in love and covenant faithfulness, aiming to draw us back rather than destroy us.
Understanding this word helps us see God’s passion for our hearts. It reminds us that He desires a relationship with us that is whole and undivided, inviting us to respond with trust and loyalty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will provoke to jealousy1×
- to provoke to jealousy1×
- do we provoke to jealousy1×
- I will provoke to jealousy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραζηλώσω2×
- παραζηλῶσαι1×
- παραζηλοῦμεν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 10:19
But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation. I will make you angry with a nation void of understanding.”
Paul quotes Moses to show God’s strategy of using Gentile inclusion to stir Israel’s spiritual longing.
-
Romans 11:11
I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.
This verse clarifies that Israel’s stumble was not final but a means to provoke them toward salvation through Gentile blessings.
-
Romans 11:14
if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them.
Paul reveals his personal mission to use the gospel’s spread among Gentiles to awaken his fellow Jews to faith.
-
I Corinthians 10:22
Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
Here the word warns believers that sharing in pagan rituals provokes God’s jealous anger, highlighting His demand for exclusive loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does parazēloō mean in the Bible?
Is divine jealousy bad?
Why does Paul use this word in Romans?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Romans 3 verses
But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation. I will…
Romans 11:11I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the…
Romans 11:14if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them.