2204. zeó
Berean Strong's Lexicon
zeó: To boil, to be fervent

Original Word: ζέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: zeó
Pronunciation: zay'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dzeh'-o)
Definition: To boil, to be fervent
Meaning: (lit: I boil, am boiling), I burn (in spirit), am fervent.

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "zeó," the concept of fervency or zeal can be related to Hebrew words like קָנָא (qanah - Strong's H7065), which means "to be zealous" or "to be jealous."

Usage: The Greek verb "zeó" primarily means "to boil" or "to be hot." In a metaphorical sense, it is used to describe fervency or zeal, particularly in the context of spiritual fervor or enthusiasm. This term conveys a sense of intense passion or eagerness, often in relation to one's faith or spiritual life.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of boiling or being fervent was often associated with intense emotions or actions. The metaphor of boiling was used to describe not only physical heat but also the fervency of spirit or emotion. In the New Testament, this term is used to encourage believers to maintain a passionate and zealous faith, reflecting the early Christian emphasis on wholehearted devotion to God.

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2204 zéō (onomatopoetic for the sound of boiling water, perhaps a primitive verb) – properly, to bubble over because hot enough to boil (J. Thayer); (figuratively) to show great zeal; be ardently passionate (literally "boiling" with interest or desire); "to be deeply committed to something, with the implication of accompanying desire – 'to be earnest, to set one's heart on, to be completely intent upon' " (L & N, 1, 25.76); very fervent. See 2205 (zēlos).

[2204 (zéō) is "formed from the participle of the Latin ferveo, 'to boil or ferment,' is an exact translation of this word, which means 'to seethe or bubble,' and is therefore used figuratively of mental states and emotions" (WS, 268).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. verb
Definition
to boil, be hot
NASB Translation
being fervent (1), fervent (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2204: ζέω

ζέω; to boil with heat, be hot; often in Greek writings; thus of water, Homer, Iliad 18, 349; 21, 362 (365); metaphorically, used of 'boiling' anger, love, zeal for what is good or bad, etc. (Tragg., Plato, Plutarch, others); ζέων (on this uncontracted form cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. (or his School Gram. (Robinson's translation)) § 105 N. 2, i., p. 481; Matthiae, i., p. 151; (Hadley § 371 b.)) τῷ πνεύματι, fervent in spirit, said of zeal for what is good, Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11; cf. especially Rückert and Fritzsche on Romans, the passage cited

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be fervent.

A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest) -- be fervent.

Forms and Transliterations
έζεσε ζεοντες ζέοντες ζεων ζέων zeon zeōn zéon zéōn zeontes zéontes
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 18:25 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: κυρίου καὶ ζέων τῷ πνεύματι
NAS: of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit,
KJV: and being fervent in the spirit,
INT: Lord and being fervent in spirit

Romans 12:11 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες τῷ κυρίῳ
NAS: in diligence, fervent in spirit,
KJV: in business; fervent in spirit;
INT: in spirit be fervent [the] Lord

Strong's Greek 2204
2 Occurrences


ζέων — 1 Occ.
ζέοντες — 1 Occ.

















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