Zeal

In the Bible, "zeal" refers to an intense passion or fervor, often associated with devotion to God and His commandments. The Hebrew term most commonly translated as "zeal" is "qin'ah," which denotes a passionate commitment to protect and uphold the honor of God (Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24). In the New Testament, the Greek word "zelos" conveys a similar meaning, indicating a zealousness for God's truth and righteousness (Romans 10:2). Zeal is depicted positively in contexts where it drives individuals to act in accordance with God's will, such as Phinehas in Numbers 25:11, who was zealous for God's holiness. However, it can also have negative connotations, as seen in Galatians 4:17, where zeal can lead to exclusion or division when not grounded in truth. Ultimately, biblical zeal is meant to be coupled with knowledge and love, guiding believers to fervently pursue God's glory without losing sight of His grace and truth (Titus 2:14).

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