Is God Jealous? What Does It Mean That God Is a Jealous God?
Is God Jealous? What Does It Mean That God Is a Jealous God? God describes Himself as jealous — not in a petty human sense, but as a passionate protective love for His people and His glory.
Key verse: Exodus 20:5 (KJV)
God describes Himself as jealous — not in a petty human sense, but as a passionate protective love for His people and His glory.
God describes Himself as jealous — not in a petty human sense, but as a passionate protective love for His people and His glory.
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God." — Exodus 20:5 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
When Scripture says God is jealous, it does not mean He is insecure or envious. Divine jealousy is fundamentally different from sinful human jealousy. God's jealousy is the righteous passion of a loving husband for His bride — He will not share the worship and devotion that belongs to Him alone with false gods. The second commandment explicitly declares God to be jealous. Paul used the same language when he told the Corinthians he was jealous for them with a godly jealousy, having betrothed them to Christ. God's jealousy protects His people from the destruction that comes from idolatry. It is an expression of His love, not a flaw in His character.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Church?
What the Bible teaches about the church, its purpose, and why believers should gather together.
Key Scripture References
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God."
"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry?
Idolatry — placing anything above God — is the most frequently condemned sin in Scripture.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Jealousy
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Bible Verses About Jealousy and Envy
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Jealousy (Qinah) (קִנְאָה (qinah))
Zealous, protective passion — God's fierce commitment to His covenant relationship.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Is God Jealous? What Does It Mean That God Is a Jealous God?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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