Definition and Context:
Emulation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of imitating or striving to equal or surpass someone, often driven by envy or rivalry. It is a term that appears in various translations of the Bible and is generally associated with negative connotations, particularly when it leads to sinful behavior or attitudes.

Biblical References:
The concept of emulation is most directly addressed in the New Testament, where it is often listed among other sinful behaviors. In Galatians 5:19-21 , the Apostle Paul writes about the "acts of the flesh," which include "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Here, emulation is closely related to jealousy and selfish ambition, both of which are seen as works of the flesh that are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, emulation is problematic because it often stems from a heart of envy and pride, leading individuals away from the humility and contentment that are virtues in the Christian life. Emulation can disrupt community and fellowship, as it fosters competition and division rather than unity and love. The Bible encourages believers to seek contentment in their own God-given gifts and to rejoice in the successes of others, rather than striving to outdo them for personal gain.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
Emulation, when driven by envy, can lead to a host of other sins, such as deceit, slander, and even violence. It is a reflection of a heart that is not aligned with God's will, as it prioritizes self-exaltation over the well-being of others. Christians are called to emulate Christ, who exemplified humility and selflessness, rather than seeking to surpass others for personal glory.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their motives and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment. Emulation should be replaced with encouragement and support for others, recognizing that each person has unique gifts and a unique role within the body of Christ. Believers are urged to focus on their own spiritual growth and to seek the approval of God rather than the accolades of men.

Related Concepts:
· Jealousy: Often linked with emulation, jealousy is a feeling of resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages.
· Pride: A root cause of emulation, pride involves an inflated sense of one's personal status or accomplishments.
· Humility: The antidote to emulation, humility involves recognizing one's own limitations and valuing others above oneself.
· Contentment: A state of satisfaction and peace, contentment is the opposite of the restless striving that characterizes emulation.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the human tendency toward emulation, it calls believers to a higher standard of love, humility, and unity. By focusing on these virtues, Christians can overcome the divisive nature of emulation and live in harmony with one another.Romans 11:11
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 11:14
If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 30:1-24
And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works:
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) The endeavor to equal or to excel another in qualities or actions; an assiduous striving to equal or excel another; rivalry.

2. (n.) Jealous rivalry; envy; envious contention.

EMULATION

em-u-la'-shun (zelos, parazeloo):

Occurs twice in the New Testament, once in a bad sense and once in a good sense.

(1) In Galatians 5:20 the King James Version it is the translation of zelos ("zeal," "earnestness," "enthusiasm") where it is classed among "the works of the flesh" and signifies the stirring up of jealousy or envy in others, because of what we are, or have, or profess. The Greek word is used in this sense in Acts 13:45 Romans 13:13 1 Corinthians 3:3 James 3:14, 16 2 Corinthians 12:20 Galatians 5:20; the Revised Version (British and American) translated by "jealousy." It denotes a work of the flesh or lower nature, which Christians often fail sufficiently to guard against; it pleases "the flesh" to excite such a feeling in others.

(2) In Romans 11:14 the King James Version "emulation" is the translation of parazeloo ("to make one zealous or jealous"), and is there used in a good sense. "If by any means I may provoke to emulation (the Revised Version (British and American) jealousy) them that are my flesh" (compare Romans 10:19, quoted from Deuteronomy 32:21). It is well to "provoke to emulation" in this sense, those who are slow or indifferent, by the example of earnestness and zeal on our part. This is not to please "the flesh," but to serve "the Spirit."

W. L. Walker

2205. zelos -- to have warmth of feeling for or against, to be ...
... ie (). It can refer to ", for what is good or bad" (J. Thayer).]. emulation,
jealousy, zeal. From zeo; properly, heat, ie (figuratively ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2205.htm - 7k

3402. mimetes -- an imitator
... English term, , "one who imitates, emulates") -- properly, the positive imitation
that arises by admiring the pattern set by someone worthy of emulation, ie a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3402.htm - 7k

3863. parazeloo -- to provoke to jealousy
... provoke to jealousy. From para and zeloo; to stimulate alongside, ie Excite to rivalry
-- provoke to emulation (jealousy). see GREEK para. see GREEK zeloo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3863.htm - 7k

The Mythology Respecting the Gods; the Dogmas of the Manich??ans ...
... The Mythology Respecting the Gods; The Dogmas of the Manich??ans Resemble This: the
Homeric Allegory of the Battle of the Gods; Envy and Emulation Existing In ...
/.../alexander/of the manichaeans/chapter x the mythology respecting the.htm

The Sad State of the Corinthian Church after Sedition Arose in it ...
... Chapter III."The sad state of the Corinthian church after sedition arose
in it from envy and emulation. Every kind of honour and ...
/.../chapter iii the sad state of.htm

The Sad State of the Corinthian Church after Sedition Arose in it ...
... The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Chapter III."The Sad State of the
Corinthian Church After Sedition Arose in It from Envy and Emulation. ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter iii the sad state of.htm

2 Cor. Ix. 1
... For nothing does so much as emulation. ... Therefore he did not say, Imitate them,'
for it would not have kindled so great an emulation, but how? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 2 cor ix.htm

But, Say They, How is the Flesh by a Certain Likeness Compared ...
... For whereas there is among you emulation, and strife, are ye not carnal?" [1901]
Against whom doth emulation and strife lust, but against Christ? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 25 but say they.htm

A Diversity of Interpretations is Useful. Errors Arising from ...
... Whence, I think, that expression of the apostle, when he says, "If by any means
I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them ...
/.../chapter 12 a diversity of interpretations.htm

And this Circumstance Would Assist Rather than Hinder the ...
... Whence, I think, that expression of the apostle, when he says, "If by any means
I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 17 and this circumstance.htm

Now this Masculine Love of an Open and Level Camaraderie is the ...
... But it may be said that in masculine sports and games, other than the great
game of debate, there is definite emulation and eclipse. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 14 now this masculine.htm

Concerning Providence.
... Again another is permitted to suffer in order to stir up emulation in the breasts
of others, so that others by magnifying the glory of the sufferer may ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xxix concerning providence.htm

Matt. xx. 29, 30
... discover to all the virtue of those He is healing, and then to apply the cure, for
one reason, that He might lead on the others likewise to emulation; and for ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxvi matt xx 29.htm

Emulation (5 Occurrences)
...EMULATION. ... It is well to "provoke to emulation" in this sense, those who are slow
or indifferent, by the example of earnestness and zeal on our part. ...
/e/emulation.htm - 9k

Contest (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To make a subject of dispute, contention, litigation, or emulation; to contend
for; to call in question; to controvert; to oppose; to dispute. ...
/c/contest.htm - 9k

Vie (2 Occurrences)
... See Revie. 3. (vt) To stake; to wager. 4. (vt) To do or produce in emulation,
competition, or rivalry; to put in competition; to bandy. ...
/v/vie.htm - 7k

Lasciviousnesses (3 Occurrences)
... 13:13 as in day-time, let us walk becomingly; not in revellings and drunkennesses,
not in chamberings and lasciviousnesses, not in strife and emulation; (YLT). ...
/l/lasciviousnesses.htm - 7k

Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and lasciviousness, not in strife and emulation. ...
/l/lasciviousness.htm - 11k

Incite (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Incite (5 Occurrences). Romans 11:14 If by any means I
may incite to emulation them who are my flesh, and may save some of them. (WBS) ...
/i/incite.htm - 7k

Envy (56 Occurrences)
... envy of Caesar. 3. (n.) Emulation; rivalry. 4. (n.) Public odium; ill repute.
5. (n.) An object of envious notice or feeling. 6. (vt ...
/e/envy.htm - 28k

Emulations (1 Occurrence)

/e/emulations.htm - 6k

Emptying (4 Occurrences)

/e/emptying.htm - 7k

Disorder (6 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS YLT). James 3:16 For where emulation and strife are, there is disorder
and every evil thing. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Job 10:22 ...
/d/disorder.htm - 8k

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