Lexical Summary qanna: Jealous Original Word: קַנָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance jealous From qana'; jealous -- jealous. Compare qannow'. see HEBREW qana' see HEBREW qannow' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qinah Definition jealous NASB Translation jealous (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs קַנָּא adjective jealous; — only of God: אֵל קַנָּא Exodus 20:5 (J) = Deuteronomy 5:9 (as punishing those who hate him), Exodus 34:14 (J), Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 6:15 (demanding exclusive service); קַנָּא שְׁמוֺ Exodus 34:14 (J). Topical Lexicon Overview The word describes the ardent, protective zeal Yahweh displays toward His covenant people and His own honor. Rather than suggesting petty envy, it portrays the intensity with which God safeguards the exclusivity of the relationship He established through covenant. Canonical Distribution Occurrences are limited to the Pentateuch, all in contexts that prohibit idolatry: Semantic Range and Imagery The idea overlaps with “zeal,” conveying both deep affection and fierce intolerance of rivals. In ancient Near-Eastern treaty language, such protective jealousy is the prerogative of a great king toward a vassal. Scripture borrows that political imagery and weds it to marital language: Israel is Yahweh’s treasured possession, and any flirtation with other gods breaches covenant fidelity (Jeremiah 3:1; Hosea 2:2). Theological Significance 1. Divine Uniqueness: Because the LORD is “one” (Deuteronomy 6:4), devotion to Him must be undivided. Covenantal Context The adjective frames both recitations of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). By locating jealousy in that foundational charter, the text underscores that monotheism is not primarily philosophical but relational. Worship of idols is spiritual adultery that provokes righteous jealousy. Worship and Idolatry Exodus 34:14 places the term within the renewed Sinai covenant after the golden calf. Yahweh reveals “whose name is Jealous,” highlighting that uncompromising devotion is part of His very identity. Consequently, all worship forms—sacrificial system, festivals, and daily obedience—are guarded by this attribute. Historical Reflection in Israel’s Story • Wilderness: Episodes like Baal Peor (Numbers 25) show divine jealousy breaking out against syncretism. Echoes in the New Testament Paul mirrors the Pentateuchal theme: “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy” (2 Corinthians 11:2). Hebrews 12:29 cites Deuteronomy 4:24 to exhort persevering holiness. These connections affirm the continuity of divine character across the Testaments. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Worship Leadership: Corporate liturgy must exalt God alone, avoiding both idolatrous syncretism and self-exalting performance. Summary Strong’s 7067 conveys the blazing, covenantal love of God that brooks no rivals. Far from depicting insecurity, it affirms His holiness, justice, and faithful affection. The attribute undergirds the prohibition of idolatry, shapes Israel’s worship, and continues to call the Church to wholehearted devotion until the day when every rival is silenced and the Lord alone is exalted. Forms and Transliterations קַנָּ֔א קַנָּ֖א קַנָּ֛א קַנָּ֣א קַנָּֽא׃ קנא קנא׃ kanNa qan·nā qannāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 20:5 HEB: אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א פֹּ֠קֵד עֲוֹ֨ן NAS: your God, am a jealous God, KJV: thy God [am] a jealous God, INT: your God God jealous visiting the iniquity Exodus 34:14 Exodus 34:14 Deuteronomy 4:24 Deuteronomy 5:9 Deuteronomy 6:15 6 Occurrences |
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