8733 envy
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8733 envy

A desire for another's gifts, possessions, position or achievements, closely associated with jealousy.

Causes of envy

Envy is the result of human sin

Galatians 5:19-21 See also Proverbs 23:17; Matthew 15:19-20 pp Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:3; 1 Peter 2:1-2

Envy arises from the good fortune of others

Genesis 26:12-14; 1 Samuel 18:6-8; Psalm 73:3; Matthew 20:12-15

Love does not envy others

1 Corinthians 13:4

Envy arises from the spiritual abilities of others

Psalm 106:16-18; Acts 13:44-45 See also Numbers 11:28-30; Numbers 12:2; Numbers 16:1-3; Matthew 27:18 pp Mark 15:10; Acts 17:5; Philippians 1:15

Examples of envy

Cain envies Abel

Genesis 4:3-5

Esau envies Jacob

Genesis 27:41

Rachel envies Leah

Genesis 30:1

The brothers envy Joseph

Genesis 37:4

Results of envy

Job 5:2 See also Proverbs 14:30; Ecclesiastes 4:4; James 3:14-16

In some cases, envy can be used by God

Romans 10:19; Romans 11:11,13-14 Paul hopes that the Gentiles' response to the gospel might make Israel want its blessings as well. See also Deuteronomy 32:21

Envy forbidden

Psalm 37:1 See also Proverbs 3:31; Proverbs 24:1; Galatians 5:26

See also

5848  exaggeration
5910  motives, examples
5929  resentment against people
6133  coveting
8773  jealousy



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