Topical Encyclopedia Envy, a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions, is a theme that appears throughout the Bible, including in the context of the Jewish people. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings related to envy, illustrating its destructive nature and the moral lessons that can be drawn from it.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, envy is often depicted as a sin that leads to discord and strife. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph's brothers envied him because of their father Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future prominence. This envy led them to sell Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:11: "And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind"). This narrative highlights how envy can disrupt familial relationships and lead to grievous actions. The Israelites themselves experienced envy during their wilderness journey. In Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram envied Moses and Aaron's leadership, leading to a rebellion against God's appointed leaders. This resulted in severe consequences, as the earth swallowed the rebels (Numbers 16:1-35). This account underscores the dangers of envying those whom God has chosen for specific roles. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the issue of envy. Proverbs warns against the destructive nature of envy, stating, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones" (Proverbs 14:30). This proverb illustrates the internal decay that envy can cause, affecting both spiritual and physical well-being. New Testament Context In the New Testament, envy continues to be a significant theme. The Jewish leaders' envy of Jesus is noted as a factor leading to His crucifixion. In Matthew 27:18, it is stated, "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over." This highlights how envy can blind individuals to truth and justice, leading to grave injustices. The Apostle Paul also addresses envy in his epistles, warning against it as a work of the flesh. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists envy among the acts of the sinful nature, cautioning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This serves as a moral exhortation to Christians to avoid envy and instead cultivate the fruits of the Spirit. Jewish-Gentile Relations Envy also plays a role in the dynamics between Jews and Gentiles in the early church. In Romans 11:11-14, Paul discusses how salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious, with the hope that this envy might lead to their salvation. This passage reflects the complex interplay of envy and divine purpose, where God can use even human failings to fulfill His redemptive plan. Moral and Theological Implications Throughout the biblical narrative, envy is portrayed as a vice that leads to division, strife, and spiritual decay. It is a sin that believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible encourages contentment, gratitude, and love as antidotes to envy, urging believers to focus on their relationship with God and His provision rather than coveting what others possess. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 17:5 Library How Antipater Committed the Care of Galilee to Herod, and that of ... Pilate, Hearing These Words of Annas and Caiaphas, Laid them all ... John iv. 40-43 John vii. 1, 2 Preaching among the Heathen Pilate Says to Jesus: Hearest Thou what These Testify against Thee ... The Jews Greatly Complain of Archelaus and Desire that they May be ... Of the Superstitions of the Jews, and their Hatred against Jesus. The Antiquities of the Jews The Death of Pilate, who Condemned Jesus. Resources Why is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to emulations? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven deadly sins? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
    |