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    Jealousy (Qinah)

    קִנְאָה (qinah)

    Zealous, protective passion — God's fierce commitment to His covenant relationship.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H7068
    Pronunciation: kin-AH
    Quick Answer

    Qinah is the Hebrew word for jealousy or zeal, describing an intense, protective passion. When applied to God, it expresses His fierce devotion to His people and His refusal to share their worship with idols.

    "For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God." — Exodus 20:5 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Exodus 20:5

    “For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God.”
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    Zechariah 8:2

    “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.”
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    2 Corinthians 11:2

    “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.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H7068 — Jealousy (Qinah) (קִנְאָה (qinah))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where קִנְאָה (qinah) appears.

    Open Strong's H7068

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Qinah comes from the root qana, meaning 'to be zealous' or 'to be jealous.' It conveys burning, passionate intensity — the heat of a person fiercely protecting what is rightfully theirs. In the Bible, qinah can be positive (godly zeal) or negative (envious jealousy), depending on whether the passion is righteous or selfish.

    God's Holy Jealousy

    God declares Himself 'a jealous God' (Exodus 20:5; 34:14). This is not petty insecurity but holy possessiveness — the righteous passion of a husband who will not tolerate His bride's unfaithfulness. When Israel worshipped idols, they provoked God's jealousy (Deuteronomy 32:16, 21). His jealousy burns to protect the covenant relationship and the honor of His name.

    Zeal and Jealousy

    Phinehas' zeal (Numbers 25:11) turned away God's wrath, and God commended his jealousy for His honor. Elijah was 'very jealous for the LORD God of hosts' (1 Kings 19:10). Paul expressed 'godly jealousy' for the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:2). Righteous jealousy is the burning desire to see God honored and His people faithful.

    Understanding Divine Jealousy

    God's jealousy is not a flaw but a virtue — it flows from the depth of His love. A husband who is indifferent to his wife's adultery does not love her. God's jealousy proves He is not distant or detached but passionately invested in His relationship with His people. It is the fiery side of His faithful love.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is God described as jealous?

    God's jealousy (qinah) is His righteous, protective passion for His covenant relationship. Like a faithful husband, He refuses to share His people's worship with idols. It flows from the depth of His love.

    Is jealousy always sinful?

    No. Human jealousy can be sinful (envious) or righteous (protective of a legitimate relationship). God's jealousy is always righteous — it defends His covenant honor and His people's welfare.

    What is the Hebrew word for "Jealousy (Qinah)" in the Bible?

    קִנְאָה (qinah), pronounced "kin-AH." It means zealous, protective passion — god's fierce commitment to his covenant relationship. Its Strong's number is H7068. It is the word behind "Jealousy (Qinah)" in the Old Testament, for example in Exodus 20:5.

    What does "Jealousy (Qinah)" mean in the Bible?

    Zealous, protective passion — God's fierce commitment to His covenant relationship. The underlying Hebrew word is קִנְאָה (qinah) ("kin-AH"), Strong's H7068. Qinah is the Hebrew word for jealousy or zeal, describing an intense, protective passion.

    Related Words

    Holy
    Covenant
    Wrath
    Love (Ahavah)

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    Word Meaning

    Jealousy (Qinah) (קִנְאָה (qinah))

    Zealous, protective passion — God's fierce commitment to His covenant relationship.

    Strong's

    Strong's H7068 — Jealousy (Qinah)

    קִנְאָה (qinah) • Zealous, protective passion — God's fierce commitment to His covenant relationship.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Jealousy

    10 curated KJV verses

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Jealousy and Envy

    10 curated KJV verses

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?

    Daily Living

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?

    Sin & Salvation

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