Jealousy
Summary
An intense emotion of protective vigilance over what one loves, attributed both to humans and to God in Scripture.
☩Divine Jealousy
God is repeatedly described as a 'jealous God' in Scripture, particularly in contexts involving idolatry. This divine jealousy is not petty envy but rather the righteous passion of a holy God who will not share His glory with false gods. God's jealousy expresses His exclusive claim upon His people and His zeal for their covenant loyalty. It is the jealousy of a husband for his wife—an intense, protective love that cannot tolerate unfaithfulness.
☩Human Jealousy
Human jealousy can be either legitimate or sinful. Legitimate jealousy protects a sacred relationship, as in the case of a husband's concern for his wife's fidelity, for which the Law provided a specific ritual to address suspicions. Sinful jealousy, however, is destructive—described as 'cruel as the grave' and capable of arousing the most violent passions. Envy of others' prosperity is frequently condemned as foolish and harmful.
Related Verses47 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jealousy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Jealousy," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Jealousy," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Jealousy," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jealousy," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).