(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
English Standard Version (ESV)
God’s name isn't just a label; it reveals His character, and in this verse, His name is "Jealous." This isn't petty human jealousy, but a righteous, unwavering claim to our complete devotion, because He alone is worthy. It highlights that He demands exclusive worship not out of insecurity, but because He knows He’s the only One who can truly satisfy us.
(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
English Standard Version (ESV)
After God graciously renews His covenant with Israel following their sin with the golden calf, He instructs Moses to prepare new stone tablets. These instructions include a stern command to destroy all idolatrous objects and practices of the Canaanites, emphasizing that God, whose very name is "Jealous," cannot tolerate any rivals in worship. This underscores the absolute and exclusive devotion God demands from His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
When we hear the word 'jealous,' we often think of insecurity or petty envy. But what does it mean for God to be 'jealous'?
The Bible uses 'jealousy' to describe God's passionate, protective love for His people. It's not a flaw, but a divine attribute rooted in His holiness and covenant faithfulness.
A Passionate Protector
God's jealousy is a righteous zeal against anything that threatens His relationship with His people or steals the worship due to Him alone. He cannot tolerate rivals because He is the one true God, and He desires our ultimate good, which is found only in Him.
Undivided Allegiance Required
This jealousy demands our exclusive devotion. Just as a spouse expects faithfulness in marriage, God expects us to worship Him alone. Giving our devotion to other 'gods'—whether idols, ambitions, or anything else—is a betrayal of our covenant relationship with Him.
Why does God emphasize His jealousy, especially when contrasted with the gods of the surrounding nations?
The jealousy of the Lord is a defining characteristic that sets Him apart from all other deities. False gods are often depicted as indifferent or sharing power, but our God claims exclusive rights to our worship.
The True God's Claim
Unlike the 'puny gods' of the nations, which could tolerate many rivals, the LORD declares Himself 'jealous.' This means He alone is worthy of worship and demands it. He cannot and will not share His glory. His jealousy is a sign of His unique sovereignty and His commitment to His people.
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A Mark of True Relationship
This exclusivity isn't arbitrary; it's the hallmark of a genuine relationship. God's jealousy signifies that our devotion matters deeply to Him and that He is intimately involved in our lives, desiring a pure and undivided heart.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel (YHWH), revealed as the self-existent, eternal, and faithful Redeemer.
qanna · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A passionate, protective zeal for one's own rights, honor, or exclusive relationship; in theology, it refers to God's demand for total allegiance and His intolerance of rivals for His people's affection.
This passage directly echoes Exodus 34:14, reiterating the prohibition against worshipping other gods and explaining God's 'jealousy' as a consequence of His people turning away from Him.
Joshua 24:19Joshua reminds the Israelites that God is a 'jealous God' and will not forgive their rebellion or sins, underscoring the serious nature of exclusive worship and the consequences of idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:22The Apostle Paul draws a parallel, questioning if believers want to 'provoke the Lord to jealousy' by engaging in idolatry, highlighting that God's jealousy is a righteous attribute, not a human failing.
Nahum 1:2This prophetic passage explicitly states that the LORD is 'a jealous and avenging God,' showing that God's 'jealousy' is a core aspect of His character that fuels His judgment against those who defy Him and His people.
calvinExodus 34:14: "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:"
- Non incurvabis te Deo alieno. Nam Jehova zelotes nomen ejus, Deus zelotes est.
pooleExodus 34:14: "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:"
Whose name is Jealous ; who hath made himself known by, and glories in that name, The jealous God, who cannot endure any competitor or corrival; whereas the false and puny gods of the heathens were contented with multitudes of partners. So this is properly said to be the name of God, whereby he is known and distinguished from all other gods.
God’s name isn't just a label; it reveals His character, and in this verse, His name is "Jealous." This isn't petty human jealousy, but a righteous, unwavering claim to our complete devotion, because He alone is worthy. It highlights that He demands exclusive worship not out of insecurity, but because He knows He’s the only One who can truly satisfy us.
After God graciously renews His covenant with Israel following their sin with the golden calf, He instructs Moses to prepare new stone tablets. These instructions include a stern command to destroy all idolatrous objects and practices of the Canaanites, emphasizing that God, whose very name is "Jealous," cannot tolerate any rivals in worship. This underscores the absolute and exclusive devotion God demands from His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
After God graciously renews His covenant with Israel following their sin with the golden calf, He instructs Moses to prepare new stone tablets. These instructions include a stern command to destroy all idolatrous objects and practices of the Canaanites, emphasizing that God, whose very name is "Jealous," cannot tolerate any rivals in worship. This underscores the absolute and exclusive devotion God demands from His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
"(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)," — God’s name isn't just a label; it reveals His character, and in this verse, His name is "Jealous." This isn't petty human jealousy, but a righteous, unwavering claim to our complete devotion, because…
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Last reviewed October 2026