ζέω
zéō
G2204 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be hot; to boil (of liquids), to glow (of solids); figuratively, to be fervent, to be emotionally or spiritually ardent. The primary sense involves the physical emission of heat, whether of boiling water or glowing metal; extended metaphorically to describe intense emotional fervor, zeal, or earnestness in pursuit of a task or disposition.
Semantic Range
to boil (liquids), to seethe, to be hot, to glow (solids), to be fervent, to be zealous, to be emotionally or spiritually ardent
Root / Etymology
The verb ζέω derives from the root ζε-, an ancient Indo-European base meaning 'to seethe, to boil.' It is cognate with Latin ferveo ('to boil, to be hot'), indicating an inherited term describing physical heat and its perceptible effects.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ζέω primarily signified the physical action of boiling or seething, especially with regard to water or pot contents (e.g., Homer, Odyssey 22.486). It described a literal, sensory process. In Hellenistic Greek and the broader Koine period, including the Septuagint and New Testament, ζέω retained its physical sense but also developed a significant figurative use for intense internal states — emotional fervor, zeal, ardor, or strong engagement. This metaphorical application is found in New Testament contexts such as Romans 12:11 ('ζέοντες τῷ πνεύματι' — 'being fervent in spirit'), indicating an ardent or earnest disposition rather than literal heat. The figurative extension is paralleled in Latin (ferveo > fervens, from which 'fervent' is derived); however, English 'fervent' and 'zeal' translations capture only part of the word's spectrum, sometimes missing the root sense of heated intensity. In neither classical nor Koine usage does ζέω imply mere excitement or superficial passion; it typically denotes deep, sustained intensity, whether physical or mental.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest):--be fervent.
Root Family
ζέω (zeō) — to boil, to be hot, to glow
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2204-01 |
ζέων | zeon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
being fervent | boiling | being fervent | 1 |
G2204-02 |
ζέοντες | zeontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
fervent | boiling ones | fervent ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2204-01 |
Acts 18:25 | ζέων | zeon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
being fervent | boiling | being fervent |
G2204-02 |
Romans 12:11 | ζέοντες | zeontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
fervent | boiling ones | fervent ones |