Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Jealousy, in the biblical context, is a complex emotion that can manifest as a protective zeal or as sinful envy. It is often associated with a fervent desire to maintain or protect what one perceives as rightfully theirs. The Bible presents jealousy in both positive and negative lights, depending on the context and motivation behind it. Divine Jealousy: In Scripture, God is described as a "jealous God," a term that underscores His passionate commitment to His covenant relationship with His people. This divine jealousy is not petty or insecure but is rooted in God's holiness and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him. In Exodus 34:14 , it is written, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Here, God's jealousy is protective, ensuring that His people do not stray into idolatry, which would lead them away from the truth and into spiritual harm. Human Jealousy: Human jealousy, however, is often depicted as a destructive force. It can lead to strife, division, and sin. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against jealousy as a work of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 lists jealousy among the acts of the sinful nature, cautioning believers that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This type of jealousy is rooted in selfishness and insecurity, leading individuals to covet what others have or to harbor resentment. Examples in Scripture: The Bible provides numerous examples of jealousy and its consequences. In the Old Testament, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates how jealousy can lead to tragic outcomes. Cain's jealousy of Abel's favor with God led him to commit the first murder (Genesis 4:3-8). Similarly, King Saul's jealousy of David's success and popularity drove him to pursue David relentlessly, resulting in turmoil and conflict (1 Samuel 18:6-9). In contrast, the Bible also shows how jealousy can be overcome through love and trust in God. The account of Joseph and his brothers demonstrates how God can redeem situations marred by jealousy. Although Joseph's brothers were initially jealous of him, leading them to sell him into slavery, God used these circumstances for good, ultimately bringing reconciliation and salvation to their family (Genesis 37, 45). Jealousy in Relationships: Jealousy can also affect personal relationships, particularly in marriage. The Bible addresses this in the context of marital fidelity. In Numbers 5:11-31 , the "jealousy offering" is described as a means to address suspicions of infidelity, highlighting the importance of trust and faithfulness in marriage. Overcoming Jealousy: Believers are encouraged to overcome jealousy by cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). By focusing on these virtues, Christians can resist the temptation to compare themselves to others and instead find contentment in their relationship with God. James 3:14-16 warns that "where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice," urging believers to seek wisdom from above, which is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." Conclusion: While jealousy can be a natural human emotion, the Bible calls believers to rise above its destructive tendencies by trusting in God's provision and cultivating a heart of gratitude and love. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can transform jealousy into a zeal for righteousness and a deeper commitment to God's purposes. ATS Bible Dictionary JealousySee under ADULTERY. The idol of jealousy, Ezekiel 8:3,5, is the same with Thammuz in Ezekiel 8:14. See THAMMUZ. Easton's Bible Dictionary Suspicion of a wife's purity, one of the strongest passions (Numbers 5:14; Proverbs 6:34; Cant. 8:6); also an intense interest for another's honour or prosperity (Psalm 79:5; 1 Corinthians 10:22; Zechariah 1:14). Jealousy, Image of An idolatrous object, seen in vision by Ezekiel (Ezek. 8:3, 5), which stood in the priests' or inner court of the temple. Probably identical with the statue of Astarte (2 Kings 21:7). Jealousy offering The name of the offering the husband was to bring when he charged his wife with adultery (Numbers 5:11-15). Jealousy, Waters of Water which the suspected wife was required to drink, so that the result might prove her guilt or innocence (Numbers 5:12-17, 27). We have no record of this form of trial having been actually resorted to. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The quality of being jealous; earnest concern or solicitude; painful apprehension of rivalship in cases nearly affecting one's happiness; painful suspicion of the faithfulness of husband, wife, or lover.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEALOUSYjel'-us-i (qin'ah; zelos): Doubtless, the root idea of both the Greek and the Hob translated "jealousy" is "warmth," "heat." Both are used in a good and a bad sense-to represent right and wrong passion. JEALOUSY, IMAGE OF See IMAGES. JEALOUSY, WATER OF See ADULTERY, (2). WATER OF BITTERNESS (OR OF JEALOUSY) See ADULTERY, (2). Greek 3863. parazeloo -- to provoke to jealousy ... to provoke to jealousy. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: parazeloo Phonetic Spelling: (par-ad-zay-lo'-o) Short Definition: I make jealous Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3863.htm - 7k 2205b. zelos -- zeal, jealousy 2205. zelos -- to have warmth of feeling for or against, to be ... 5355. phthonos -- envy Strong's Hebrew 7068. qinah -- ardor, zeal, jealousy... 7067, 7068. qinah. 7069 . ardor, zeal, jealousy. Transliteration: qinah Phonetic Spelling: (kin-aw') Short Definition: jealousy. ... /hebrew/7068.htm - 6k 7065. qanah -- to be jealous or zealous 7069. qanah -- to get, acquire 2734. charah -- to burn or be kindled with anger 8474. tacharah -- habergeon Library Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy. The Image of Jealousy Jealousy of John's Disciples. --Final Testimony of the Baptist. ... Of the Zeal or Jealousy which we have for Our Lord. Saul's Mean Jealousy Internal Affective Prayer of Contemplation Hath Always Been ... O virgin-Youth that Art Become Bridegroom, Move to a Little ... Set Me as a Seal Upon Thy Heart, as a Seal Upon Thine Arm; for ... Concerning Good, Light, Beauty, Love, Ecstasy, Jealousy, and that ... Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ... Thesaurus Jealousy (54 Occurrences)... 8:6); also an intense interest for another's honour or prosperity (Psalm 79:5; 1 Corinthians 10:22; Zechariah 1:14). Jealousy, Image of. ...Jealousy offering. ... /j/jealousy.htm - 29k Jealousy-offering (2 Occurrences) Envy (56 Occurrences) Jealous (43 Occurrences) Provoke (64 Occurrences) Roused (24 Occurrences) Stirred (64 Occurrences) Quarreling (17 Occurrences) Factions (5 Occurrences) Emulation (5 Occurrences) Resources What is godly jealousy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about jealousy? | GotQuestions.org Jealousy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jealousy (54 Occurrences)Acts 5:17 Acts 7:9 Acts 13:45 Acts 17:5 Romans 10:19 Romans 11:11 Romans 11:14 Romans 13:13 1 Corinthians 3:3 1 Corinthians 10:22 1 Corinthians 13:4 2 Corinthians 7:7 2 Corinthians 7:11 2 Corinthians 11:2 2 Corinthians 12:20 Galatians 5:20 James 3:14 James 3:16 Numbers 5:14 Numbers 5:15 Numbers 5:18 Numbers 5:25 Numbers 5:29 Numbers 5:30 Numbers 25:11 Deuteronomy 29:20 Deuteronomy 32:16 Deuteronomy 32:21 1 Kings 14:22 Job 5:2 Psalms 78:58 Psalms 79:5 Proverbs 6:34 Proverbs 27:4 Ecclesiastes 4:4 Ecclesiastes 9:6 Song of Songs 8:6 Isaiah 11:13 Isaiah 26:11 Isaiah 42:13 Ezekiel 5:13 Ezekiel 8:3 Ezekiel 8:5 Ezekiel 16:38 Ezekiel 16:42 Ezekiel 23:25 Ezekiel 35:11 Ezekiel 36:5 Ezekiel 36:6 Ezekiel 38:19 Zephaniah 1:18 Zephaniah 3:8 Zechariah 1:14 Zechariah 8:2 Subtopics Jealousy: Ephraimites, of Gideon Jealousy: General Scriptures Concerning Jealousy: Joseph's Brothers, of Joseph Jealousy: Law Concerning, when Husband is Jealous for his Wife Jealousy: Sectional, Between Israel and the Tribe of Judah Jealousy: The Brother of the Prodigal Son Related Terms Jealousy-offering (2 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) |