φθόνος
phthonos
envy
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
SupportedThe Greek word φθόνος (phthonos) translates to envy. This emotion is categorized under the semantic domain of Emotion & Attitude, indicating its connection to the emotional and psychological states of individuals. Within the Bible, φθόνος is mentioned 9 times, suggesting its importance in understanding human relationships and interactions. The range of usage for φθόνος seems to encompass a negative emotional state, possibly related to feelings of resentment, jealousy, or dissatisfaction towards others' accomplishments or possessions. Its mention in various contexts may imply that envy can be a destructive force in relationships, potentially leading to conflict or harm. The significance of φθόνος in the Bible may lie in its depiction of human nature and the impact of negative emotions on relationships and decision-making processes. By acknowledging and understanding envy as a legitimate emotion, the biblical text may be encouraging readers to be aware of its potential consequences and strive for a more positive and harmonious approach to interactions with others.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.
Mark 15:10For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.
Romans 1:29being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
Galatians 5:21envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
Philippians 1:15Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
1 Timothy 6:4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
Titus 3:3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
James 4:5Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”?
1 Peter 2:1Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,