Topical Encyclopedia Jealousy is a complex emotion that is addressed in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is often depicted as a destructive force that can lead to sin and discord among individuals and communities. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on jealousy, offering guidance on how to recognize and overcome this emotion.Old Testament References 1. Genesis 37:11 · "And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind." This verse refers to the jealousy Joseph's brothers felt towards him due to their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams, which ultimately led to their betrayal of him. 2. Proverbs 6:34 · "For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance." This proverb highlights the intense and often uncontrollable nature of jealousy, particularly in the context of marital relationships. 3. Proverbs 14:30 · "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Here, jealousy is contrasted with peace, illustrating its corrosive effect on one's well-being. 4. Song of Solomon 8:6 · "Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unyielding as the grave. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all." This passage poetically describes the intensity of love and jealousy, likening jealousy to a powerful and consuming fire. New Testament References 1. Acts 7:9 · "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him." This verse recounts the account of Joseph, emphasizing that despite the jealousy and betrayal he faced, God's presence remained with him. 2. Romans 13:13 · "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." The Apostle Paul admonishes believers to live upright lives, free from jealousy and other sinful behaviors. 3. 1 Corinthians 3:3 · "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?" Paul addresses the Corinthian church, pointing out that jealousy is a sign of spiritual immaturity and worldliness. 4. Galatians 5:19-21 · "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Jealousy is listed among the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit. 5. James 3:14-16 · "But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." James warns against harboring jealousy, associating it with disorder and evil. Divine Jealousy The Bible also speaks of a form of jealousy attributed to God, which is distinct from human jealousy. This divine jealousy is rooted in God's desire for the exclusive devotion of His people. 1. Exodus 20:5 · "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me." God's jealousy is portrayed as a protective zeal for His covenant relationship with His people. 2. Deuteronomy 4:24 · "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." This verse emphasizes the intensity and purity of God's jealousy, which is linked to His holiness and righteousness. 3. 2 Corinthians 11:2 · "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him." Paul expresses a godly jealousy for the Corinthian believers, reflecting God's desire for their faithfulness to Christ. In summary, jealousy in the Bible is often depicted as a negative emotion that leads to sin and strife, yet it also describes God's righteous desire for the faithfulness of His people. The Scriptures provide guidance for believers to overcome jealousy and live in harmony with others, reflecting the love and holiness of God. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 6:34For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 27:4 Ecclesiastes 4:4 Songs 8:6 Library Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ... On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... Concerning Lowliness of Mind. An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... The General Conference of 1840 Berea and Athens That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... Resources Is Numbers 5:11-31 referring to God causing an abortion? What was the jealousy offering? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God a jealous God? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org Jealousy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jealousy: Ephraimites, of Gideon Jealousy: General Scriptures Concerning Jealousy: Joseph's Brothers, of Joseph Jealousy: Law Concerning, when Husband is Jealous for his Wife Jealousy: Sectional, Between Israel and the Tribe of Judah Jealousy: The Brother of the Prodigal Son Related Terms Jealousy-offering (2 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) |
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