Emulation
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Emulation in the Bible?
In the New Testament, the term 'emulation' carries a dual meaning: it denotes a negative sense of jealousy or envy, as well as a positive sense of zealous striving to imitate virtuous examples.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this dual nature clarifies biblical exhortations to imitate faithful leaders while simultaneously warning against the destructive envy that characterizes sinful behavior.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Emulation. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Emulation in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Emulation clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Emulation." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/emulation/