No, Paul is NOT splitting hairs! Not in my opinion, anyway. Each of these “qualities” (wrong word, “sins”) has its own meaning, though some of them appear to be closely linked.

Today we study the selfish trait of “envy.”

Paul places it immediately after “heresies” and just before “murders,” on his nefarious “works of the flesh” list.

In fact, Paul has the noun framed in its plural form, “envyings.” 

The Greek word is “phthonos,” which basically means “to destroy, to corrupt,” or “to defile.” It is derived from a root word likely meaning “to pine away.” (So immediately we know that something or someone is being hated!)

Furthermore, it (“phthonos”) is only used 9 times in the entire New Testament.

Twice of the hatred Jesus’ enemies had for Him! As in Mark 15:10, speaking of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion … “For He (our Lord) knew that the chief priests had delivered Him for envy.” Those rascals feared losing their positions of high power (and greedy money making opportunities), had Jesus been allowed to live! They so “envied” Jesus’ popularity with the common people!

Then … Paul uses our word five times, “phthonos.” Romans 1:21 (that infamous list depicting the tragic “downward” spiral of sin) being a prime example. And of course our Text today (for several days, in fact) is included in these five.

Then add James and Peter, with one occurrence each in their writings. Actually Peter lists “envies” as one of the specific sins that will “choke” our love for God’s Word! Particularly dangerous!

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and ENVIES, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, DESIRE the sincere milk of the WORD, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:1-2

Wow!

One textbook defines “envy” as “regarding another person with ill-will because of what he or she has, possesses!” Needlessly hating him or her simply because he or she has something you’d like to have for yourself!

“Phthonos” is always troubled at the prosperity, the success of anyone! 

Ultra selfish … is the envier!

Maybe even dangerous!

And importantly, this word is never used in a good sense in all the extant literature, even among the heathen!

So for us Christians, instead of being grieved at the success, prosperity of someone else, we should REJOICE in their blessings! 

Information given!

Homework, yet to be completed!

There’s an applicable  Line (maybe two or three) Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, that great “Love” Chapter of the Bible.

“Charity (Love) seeketh not her own!” 

“Charity thinketh no evil!”

And “Charity rejoiceth in the truth!”

No room for “envy” then, not in a Believer’s heart!

Need any more be said?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell