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A passionate ardour for any person or cause. There are various kinds of zeal; as,
1. An ignorant zeal, Rom_10:2; Rom_3:1-31 :
2. A persecuting zeal, Php_3:6.
3. A superstitious zeal, 1Ki_18:1-46 : Gal_1:14.
4. An hypocritical zeal, 2Ki_10:16.
5. A contentious zeal, 1Co_11:16.
6. A partial zeal, Hos_7:8.
7. A temporary zeal, 2Ki_12:1-21; 2Ki_13:1-25 : Gal_4:15-16.
8. a genuine zeal, which is a sincere and warm concern for the glory of God, and the spiritual welfare of mankind. This is generally compounded of sound knowledge, strong faith, and disinterested regard; and will manifest itself by self-denial, patient endurance, and constant exertion.
The motives to true zeal are,
1. The divine command, Rev_3:19.
2. The example of Christ, Act_10:38.
3. The importance of the service of Christ.
4. The advantage and pleasure it brings to the possessor.
5. The instances and honourable commendation of it in the Scriptures: Moses, Phineas, Caleb, David, Paul, &c. Gal_4:18. Rev_3:15, &c. Tit_2:14.
6. The incalculable good effects it produces on others, Jam_5:20.
See Reynolds and Orton on Sacred Zeal; Evan's Christian Temper, ser. 37; Hughes's Sermon on Zeal; Mason's Christ. Mor. ser. 28.