Original Word: φθονέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: phthoneó
Pronunciation: fthon-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (fthon-eh'-o)
Definition: I envy.
Meaning: To envy, to be jealous of, to bear ill-will or malice towards someone due to their advantages or possessions.

Word Origin: Derived from φθόνος (phthonos), meaning "envy" or "jealousy."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7065 קָנָא (qanah): To be jealous, zealous, or envious.
• H7068 קִנְאָה (qin'ah): Jealousy, envy, zeal.

These Hebrew terms reflect similar themes of jealousy and envy found in the Old Testament, illustrating the continuity of this concept across the biblical canon. Envy is consistently portrayed as a negative trait that leads to discord and is contrary to the character of God, who calls His people to live in peace and love.

Usage: The verb φθονέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of envying or being jealous. It conveys a sense of ill-will or resentment towards others because of their success or blessings.

Context: The Greek verb φθονέω appears in the New Testament to describe a negative emotional response characterized by envy or jealousy. This term is rooted in the broader concept of φθόνος, which is often associated with a destructive and divisive spirit. In the biblical context, envy is seen as contrary to the virtues of love and humility, which are central to Christian teaching.

In Galatians 5:26, Paul warns the believers, "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another." Here, φθονέω is used to caution against the destructive behaviors that can arise from pride and competition within the community. Envy is listed among the "works of the flesh" in Galatians 5:21, highlighting its opposition to the fruit of the Spirit.

James 4:2 also touches on the theme of envy, though the verb φθονέω is not directly used. The passage describes how desires and covetousness lead to conflict and strife, underscoring the destructive nature of envy. The biblical narrative consistently portrays envy as a vice that disrupts relationships and community harmony.

The New Testament encourages believers to cultivate contentment and gratitude, countering the tendency to envy others. By focusing on love and selflessness, Christians are called to overcome envy and foster unity within the body of Christ.

Cognate: 5354 phthonéō (from 5355 /phthónos) – to envy, becoming bitter (sour) because of another person's success. 5354 /phthonéō is used only in Gal 5:26. See 5355 (phthonos).

Word Origin
from phthonos
Definition
to envy
NASB Translation
envying (1).

STRONGS NT 5354: φθονέω

φθονέω, φθόνῳ; (φθόνος); from Homer down; to envy: τίνι, one, Galatians 5:26 (here L text Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading read the accusative; see Buttmann, § 132, 15 Rem.; Winer's Grammar, § 31, 1 b.).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

envy.

From phthonos; to be jealous of -- envy.

see GREEK phthonos

Forms and Transliterations

φθονουντες φθονούντες φθονοῦντες phthonountes phthonoûntes

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts