Topical Encyclopedia
The term "envieth" is an archaic form of the verb "envy," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of envy is addressed in several passages, reflecting its significance as a moral and spiritual issue.
Biblical Definition and ContextEnvy is generally understood as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. It is often associated with jealousy and is considered a sin that can lead to further moral decay and discord among individuals and communities.
Scriptural References1.
Proverbs 14:30 : "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." This verse highlights the destructive nature of envy, contrasting it with the life-giving quality of a peaceful heart. Envy is depicted as corrosive, affecting not only the spiritual well-being of a person but also their physical health.
2.
James 3:16 : "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Here, envy is linked with jealousy and selfish ambition, leading to chaos and sinful behavior. The passage warns of the broader implications of harboring such feelings, emphasizing the need for wisdom and humility.
3.
1 Corinthians 13:4 : "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." In this well-known passage on love, envy is listed as one of the attributes that true love does not possess. The absence of envy is a hallmark of genuine, selfless love, which seeks the good of others without resentment or rivalry.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, envy is seen as a violation of the Tenth Commandment, which instructs believers not to covet. It is a sin that arises from a lack of contentment and trust in God's provision. Envy can lead to a host of other sins, including strife, hatred, and even violence, as seen in the account of Cain and Abel (
Genesis 4:1-8).
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsIn Christian ethics, envy is considered a vice that must be actively resisted. Believers are encouraged to cultivate virtues such as gratitude, contentment, and love, which counteract the negative effects of envy. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often exhorts Christians to live in harmony and to rejoice in the successes and blessings of others, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.
Practical ApplicationTo overcome envy, Christians are advised to focus on their relationship with God, seeking fulfillment and identity in Him rather than in worldly achievements or possessions. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are practical steps that can help individuals guard their hearts against envy and cultivate a spirit of generosity and love.
Library
The Analysis
... "And is kind.". Generosity . . . . "Loveenvieth not.". Humility . . . . .... Generosity.
"Loveenvieth not" This is Love in competition with others....
On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... And so what saith the Apostle? "Charityenvieth not." Why doth it not
envy? "It... Because it is not puffed up, itenvieth not. It...
Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... Mary of Bethany, who was so full of love, held a higher position than these great
prophets did. "Love suffereth long, and is kind; loveenvieth not; love...
The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... whole mind of a man, and suffereth him neither to eat, nor to drink, nor to do any
good thing: it ever suggesteth to him to destroy him that heenvieth; and he...
Whence the Greatness of this Service, unto the Undertaking of...
... For this teaches humility, whereby both to gain and to keep charity; of which after
that it had been said, "Charityenvieth not;" [2103] as though we were...
1 Cor. xiii. 8
... "For loveenvieth not, is not puffed up." So that on every side he throws around
them an impregnable wall, and a manifold unanimity, which first removes all...
1 Cor. xiii. 4
... Homily XXXIII. 1 Cor. xiii. 4. 1 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffereth long, and is
kind; loveenvieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up....
Letter xvi. Charity.
... LETTERS, &c. LETTER XVI. Charity. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity
envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not... III. Charityenvieth not....
we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive
... "Charityenvieth not." Envy is the seed of all contention, and self-love brings
it forth.... But charityenvieth not where it may lie quietly low....
On Love
... Farther: "Loveenvieth not." This, indeed, is implied, when it is said, "Love is
kind." For kindness and envy are inconsistent: They can no more abide together...
Thesaurus
Envieth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Envieth (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity
suffereth long, and is kind; charity
envieth not; charity
...Envious (16 Occurrences)
Charity (29 Occurrences)
... 7. Character: "Love suffereth long, and is kind; loveenvieth not" (1 Corinthians
13:4). It determines and defines a man's own character and personality....
Vaunt (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charityenvieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (Root in KJV ASV WBS YLT)....
Vaunteth (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charityenvieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (KJV ASV WBS)....
Envy (56 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "moved with jealousy"; 1 Corinthians 13:4, "charity
(the Revised Version (British and American) "love")envieth not." The power...
Enviest (1 Occurrence)
Puffed (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charityenvieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)....
Suffereth (14 Occurrences)
... (ASV). 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charityenvieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (KJV ASV WBS)....
Itself (203 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charityenvieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT)....
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