Jealousy is a complex emotion that can have both destructive and motivating effects. Throughout the Bible, we see various examples of jealousy, whether in human relationships or in the context of our relationship with God. Jealousy often leads to negative consequences, including division, anger, and sin. However, the Bible also teaches us how to avoid jealousy and find contentment in God’s plan for our lives.
In this article, we will explore 21 key scriptures from the King James Version (KJV) that speak about jealousy. These scriptures will help us better understand the nature of jealousy, how to avoid it, and how to overcome it through the power of God. Let’s dive into these verses and reflect on their meanings.
21 Scriptures on Jealousy (KJV)
1. Exodus 20:5
“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”
In this verse, God describes Himself as a jealous God. His jealousy is not based on selfishness but is a righteous jealousy that desires His people’s undivided love and loyalty. God’s jealousy in this context is about protecting His people from idolatry.
2. Exodus 34:14
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Here, God’s name is revealed to be “Jealous,” emphasizing His passionate desire for His people’s devotion. This jealousy is not negative but rather stems from God’s deep love for His people, desiring them to worship Him alone.
3. Deuteronomy 4:24
“For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.”
God’s jealousy is depicted as consuming fire. This highlights the intensity of His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him, and it underscores the seriousness of rejecting Him for false gods.
4. Deuteronomy 6:15
“For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you: lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.”
This verse warns that God’s jealousy, when provoked by sin, leads to His anger. He will not tolerate the worship of false gods, as it goes against His purpose for His people.
5. Joshua 24:19
“And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.”
Joshua warns the Israelites about the seriousness of serving God. He is holy and jealous, and His justice will not tolerate unfaithfulness. This underscores the importance of fully committing to God.
6. Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.”
This verse shows the destructive nature of jealousy in human relationships. Jealousy can provoke intense anger and revenge, leading to actions that harm others. It is a warning to avoid harboring jealousy in personal relationships.
7. Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
Here, envy (a form of jealousy) is described as something that corrupts the inner person. It destroys peace and contentment, making it a dangerous emotion to harbor in the heart.
8. Proverbs 27:4
“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”
This verse reveals that jealousy, or envy, is a more powerful and dangerous force than anger or wrath. It can consume a person’s heart and lead to even worse actions.
9. Song of Solomon 8:6
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.”
In the Song of Solomon, jealousy is depicted as powerful and consuming, like a fire. This illustrates the intensity of both love and jealousy. When love is threatened, jealousy can arise with devastating force.
10. Matthew 27:18
“For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”
This verse describes the motive behind the religious leaders’ actions against Jesus. They were driven by envy (a form of jealousy) because of His popularity and influence. This led to the injustice of His arrest and crucifixion.
11. Mark 15:10
“For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”
Similar to Matthew 27:18, this verse explains that the religious leaders’ jealousy toward Jesus was the driving force behind their actions. Their envy of Jesus led them to plot His death.
12. Acts 5:17
“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation.”
In this verse, the jealousy of the religious leaders is evident. They were filled with indignation (or jealousy) toward the apostles who were preaching about Jesus. Their jealousy led them to persecute the early Christians.
13. Romans 13:13
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
Paul urges believers to avoid jealousy (envying) and strife, calling for a life of honesty and purity. Jealousy is a destructive force that disrupts the peace of a community.
14. 1 Corinthians 3:3
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying and strife, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their jealousy and strife, saying that these are signs of spiritual immaturity. True Christian maturity involves overcoming jealousy and living in harmony with others.
15. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
In the well-known “love chapter,” Paul emphasizes that true love does not envy. Jealousy is contrary to the selfless love that Christians are called to exhibit toward one another.
16. Galatians 5:26
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Paul warns against seeking glory and provoking others through jealousy. Jealousy leads to division, but love and humility lead to unity in the body of Christ.
17. James 3:14
“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.”
James warns that jealousy and bitterness corrupt the heart, leading to dishonesty and division. Christians are called to rid themselves of such jealousy and embrace truth and peace.
18. James 3:16
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. Wherever there is jealousy and strife, chaos and evil will follow. Jealousy disrupts peace and creates confusion in relationships.
19. James 4:2-3
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
James explains that jealousy often comes from selfish desires. People fight and quarrel because they want what others have, and they fail to receive from God because their motives are wrong.
20. 1 Peter 2:1
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,”
Peter calls on believers to rid themselves of jealousy (envy) and other negative emotions. Jealousy is listed as a harmful behavior that hinders spiritual growth and unity.
21. Titus 3:3
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
In this verse, Paul acknowledges that before coming to Christ, people often lived in jealousy and hatred. However, as Christians, we are called to leave behind these sinful attitudes and live in love and peace with others.
Conclusion
Jealousy is a powerful emotion that, when left unchecked, can lead to division, anger, and sin. The Bible teaches us that while God Himself is a jealous God, desiring our full devotion, human jealousy is often rooted in selfishness and insecurity. The scriptures we explored today provide guidance on how to avoid jealousy, how to recognize it in our lives, and how to overcome it through the power of love, humility, and trust in God.
As believers, we are called to love one another selflessly and to rid our hearts of envy. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and bring peace and unity to the body of Christ. Let these scriptures serve as reminders to seek purity in our hearts and to avoid the destructive power of jealousy.
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