Bible Dictionary
Zeal
Zeal is earnest devotion or enthusiasm. Scripture presents zeal as commendable when guided by truth and directed toward righteous ends, but misguided when based on ignorance or misdirected passion.
Definition
Zeal is an earnest temper or passionate devotion. It may be enlightened and rightly directed, or ignorant and misdirected. As a Christian grace, zeal must rest on right principles and pursue right ends.
Biblical Usage
Scripture presents zeal as commendable when directed toward righteousness, but defective when based on ignorance or misdirected passion. Zeal is also attributed to God in connection with His acts and purposes.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
An earnest temper; may be enlightened (Num. 25:11-13; 2 Cor. 7:11; 9:2), or ignorant and misdirected (Rom. 10:2; Phil. 3:6). As a Christian grace, it must be grounded on right principles and directed to right ends (Gal. 4:18). It is sometimes ascribed to God (2 Kings 19:31; Isa. 9:7; 37:32; Ezek. 5:13).