Emulation

A generous ardour kindled by the praiseworthy examples of others, which impels us to initiate, to rival, and, if possible, to excel them. This passion involves in it esteem of the person whose attainments or conduct we emulate, of the qualities and actions in which we emulate him, and a desire of resemblance, together with a joy springing from the hope of success. The word comes originally from the Greek contest, whence the Latin aemulus, and thence our emulation. Plato makes emulation the daughter of envy: if so, there is a great difference between the mother and the offspring; the one being a virtue and the other a vice. Emulation admires great actions, and strives to imitate them; envy refuses them the praises that are their due; emulation is generous, and only thinks of equalling or surpassing a rival; envy is low, and only seeks to lessen him. It would, therefore, be more proper to suppose emulation the daughter of admiration; admiration being a principal ingredient in the composition of it.

em-ū-lā´shun (ζῆλος, zḗlos, παραζηλόω, parazēlóō): Occurs twice in the New Testament, once in a bad sense and once in a good sense.

(1) In Gal 5:20 the King James Version it is the translation of zēlos (“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 Act 13:45; Rom 13:13; 1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14, Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20; Gal 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 Rom 11:14 the King James Version “emulation” is the translation of parazēloō (“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 Rom 10:19, quoted from Deu 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.”