Envy
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Envy in the Bible?
Envy is a negative emotion involving resentment of another's good fortune, distinct from jealousy which typically involves fear of losing something one possesses.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing envy from jealousy clarifies biblical moral teachings regarding the heart's attitude toward others' blessings and the importance of contentment.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Envy. 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 Envy in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Envy 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
"Envy." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/envy/