Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8370 zeal

A single-minded desire, characterised by enthusiasm and devotion. In Scripture it is often directed towards God, but God is also credited with zeal for his people and for the honour of his name. Misdirected or inappropriate zeal can degenerate into fanaticism.

Zeal for God

1 Kings 19:9-10 See also Numbers 25:1-13; 1 Kings 19:13-14; 2 Kings 10:15-28; Proverbs 23:17

Zeal for God's house

Psalm 69:7-9 See also John 2:13-17

Zeal for God's service

Romans 12:11 See also Nehemiah 3:20; 2 Corinthians 8:16-22

Zeal for God's law

Acts 21:20 See also Psalm 119:137-144

Zeal for the nation

2 Samuel 21:2

God's zeal

Manifested in wrath against sin

Isaiah 42:13 See also Numbers 25:10-11; Deuteronomy 29:18-21; Isaiah 59:12-19; Ezekiel 5:8-13; Ezekiel 36:5-7; Ezekiel 38:18-23

Manifested in concern for his people

Isaiah 26:11 See also 2 Kings 19:29-31 pp Isaiah 37:30-32; Isaiah 9:1-7; Isaiah 63:15; Ezekiel 39:25

Misdirected zeal

Proverbs 19:2 See also Acts 21:40-22:5; Romans 10:1-4; 1 Corinthians 13:3; Galatians 1:13-14; Galatians 4:17-18; Philippians 3:6

Zeal for national identity: the Zealots

Acts 1:13 See also Matthew 10:2-4 pp Mark 3:16-19 pp Luke 6:14-16

See also

1185  God, zeal of
5108  Paul, life of
5375  law
5832  desire
5840  eagerness
5847  enthusiasm
7467  temple, Solomon's
8207  commitment
8223  dedication
8239  earnestness
8248  faithfulness