Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Envying, often referred to as envy, is a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, or qualities. It is a sin that is frequently condemned in the Bible, as it leads to strife and discord among individuals and communities. Envy is considered a work of the flesh and is contrary to the fruits of the Spirit.
Biblical References:1.
Old Testament:·
Genesis 4:4-5: The account of Cain and Abel illustrates the destructive power of envy. Cain's envy of Abel's favorable offering led to the first murder. "And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell."
·
Proverbs 14:30: Envy is described as harmful to one's well-being. "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
2.
New Testament:·
Galatians 5:19-21: Envy is listed among the works of the flesh. "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
·
James 3:14-16: Envy is associated with disorder and evil practices. "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
Theological Implications:Envy is seen as a violation of the Tenth Commandment, which instructs believers not to covet. It is a sin that originates in the heart and can lead to other sins, such as theft, murder, and deceit. Envy is a reflection of a lack of trust in God's provision and sovereignty. It suggests dissatisfaction with what God has given and a desire for what He has not.
Moral and Ethical Teachings:The Bible encourages believers to cultivate contentment and gratitude as antidotes to envy. In
Philippians 4:11-13, Paul speaks of learning to be content in all circumstances through Christ who strengthens him. Additionally,
1 Corinthians 13:4 describes love as not being envious, highlighting that true Christian love seeks the good of others without jealousy.
Practical Applications:Christians are called to examine their hearts for envy and to repent of it. They are encouraged to celebrate the successes and blessings of others, recognizing that all good gifts come from God. By focusing on their own God-given gifts and callings, believers can avoid the pitfalls of envy and instead contribute to the unity and edification of the body of Christ.
Conclusion:While envy is a common human emotion, the Bible provides clear guidance on its dangers and the importance of overcoming it through the power of the Holy Spirit. By fostering a spirit of contentment and love, believers can live in harmony with one another and reflect the character of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Envy.
Greek
5354. phthoneo -- to envy... 5354 is used only in Gal 5:26. See 5355 (). Word Origin from phthonos
Definition to envy NASB Word Usage
envying (1). envy. From
...5355. phthonos -- envy
... Trench, 90). Word Origin a prim. word Definition envy NASB Word Usage
envy (7),envying (1), jealously (1). envy. Probably akin...
Library
"But if Ye have BitterEnvying," &C.
... PRACTICAL RELIGION. Sermon V. "But if ye have bitterenvying," &c. James
iii.14.""But if ye have bitterenvying," &c. The cunning...
"But if Ye have BitterEnvying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory...
... SEVERAL SERMONS UPON THE MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECTS OF PRACTICAL RELIGION. Sermon IV.
"But if ye have bitterenvying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c....
Whence the Greatness of this Service, unto the Undertaking of...
... On this followethenvying, as a daughter in her train; forsooth pride straightway
giveth birth to her, nor is she ever without such a daughter and companion....
Carnal Christians.
... "For whereas""this is the proof""there is among youenvying, and strife,
and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?...
James iii. 14-16
... INTRODUCTION. James iii. 14-16. "But if ye have bitterenvying and strife in your...
For whereenvying and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work."....
How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to...
... Hence Paul says, Whereas there is among youenvying and strife, are ye not carnal
(1 Corinthians 3:3)? Hence again he says also, Follow peace with all men and...
Exhortation to Wisdom, Though Wisdom is God's Gift.
... Finally, why did the preaching of this grace not deter the Apostle James from rebuking
restless souls, and saying, "If ye have bitterenvying, and contentions...
Understanding and Wisdom must be Sought from God.
... from you, and pray against its remaining in you; this the same apostle expressed
his detestation of when he said, "But if ye have bitterenvying and strife in...
Explanation of this Text Continued.
... meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitterenvying and strife in your hearts,
glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom...
Rom. xii. 14
... is none so hard-hearted as not to weep over him that is in calamity: but the other
requires a very noble soul, so as not only to keep fromenvying, but even to...
Thesaurus
Envying (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Envying (8 Occurrences). Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs,
envying Joseph, sold him away into Egypt. And God was with him, (DBY).
...Envy (56 Occurrences)
... envy" (Matthew 27:18 Romans 1:29 Galatians 5:21, "envyings," etc.); of zelos, "zeal",
"jealousy," "envy" (Acts 13:45), translated "envying," the Revised...
Strife (71 Occurrences)
... (KJV). James 3:14 But if ye have bitterenvying and strife in your hearts,
glory not, and lie not against the truth. (KJV DBY WBS)....
Vainglorious (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vainglorious (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:26 Let us not
become vainglorious, provoking one another,envying one another. (ASV)....
Vain-glorious (2 Occurrences)
... Vain-glorious (2 Occurrences). Galatians 5:26 Let us not become vain-glorious,
challenging one another,envying one another. (WEY DBY YLT)....
Vain-glory (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vain-glory (3 Occurrences). Galatians 5:26 Let us not
be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another,envying one another. (WBS)....
Gorgias
... minds" (1 Maccabees 4:6). Later on (164 BC) he held a garrison in Jamnia, and gained
a victory over the forces of Joseph and Azarias who,envying the glory of...
Whereas (55 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among youenvying,
and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?...
Envyings (3 Occurrences)
Divisions (92 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among youenvying,
and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?...
Resources
What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a living sacrifice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about jealousy? | GotQuestions.orgEnvying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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