Bible Verses about Jealousy

Jealousy: it's an emotion as old as time, a fire that consumes from within, devouring relationships, trust, and even our very souls. As ancient as Cain's envy of Abel, as timeless as King Saul's mistrust of young David, jealousy is a theme woven intricately throughout the fabric of human history. It courses through the Bible like a cautionary undercurrent, warning us of the dire consequences that follow when we let this emotion take control.

The Bible doesn't mince words when it describes jealousy. It likens it to "rotting the bones" (Proverbs 14:30) and warns that it is a work of the flesh that can prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). In the poetic words of the Song of Solomon, it is described as "fierce as the grave," a love that can be as destructive as it is passionate.

Yet, the Bible also speaks of a different kind of jealousy—the righteous jealousy of God. Unlike human jealousy, which often leads to sin and destruction, God's jealousy is directed toward protecting what is precious and holy. He is described as a "consuming fire" (Deuteronomy 4:24), not because He wants to destroy us, but because He wants to keep us from the destructive path of idolatry and sin. As we dive into these verses, we'll explore the dual nature of jealousy—both its power to destroy and its role in the divine love that seeks to save.

Descriptions of Jealousy

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 the fourth generation of those who hate me,

Numbers 5:14

And if the spirit of jealousy comes over him and he is jealous of his wife who has defiled herself, or if the spirit of jealousy comes over him and he is jealous of his wife, though she has not defiled herself,

Proverbs 6:34

For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.

Proverbs 14:30

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Jealousy Leading to Sin

Genesis 4:4-7

And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 37:11

And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.

1 Samuel 18:8-9

And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?" And Saul eyed David from that day on.

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him.

Warnings Against Jealousy

Proverbs 23:17

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.

Romans 13:13

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

1 Corinthians 3:3

For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

James 3:14-16

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

1 Peter 2:1

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

Jealousy in Relationships

Song of Solomon 8:6

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.

1 Kings 1:5-6

Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, "I will be king." And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, "Why have you done thus and so?"

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

1 Corinthians 3:3

For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

James 4:2

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.

God’s "Righteous" Jealousy

Exodus 34:14

(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Deuteronomy 4:24

For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Joshua 24:19

But Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins."

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Prayer of Repentance for Jealousy

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today, acknowledging the jealousy that has gripped my heart. I confess that I have allowed envy and comparison to poison my relationships, cloud my judgment, and distance me from You. Like a fire, this jealousy has consumed my thoughts and actions, and I am deeply sorry for the hurt it has caused to others and to myself.

Lord, Your Word warns us that jealousy is a work of the flesh that leads to disorder and every vile practice. I repent for allowing this destructive emotion to rule my life. I turn away from the envious thoughts and actions that have led me astray. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Help me to focus on Your infinite love and grace rather than comparing myself to others.

I also thank You, Father, for Your righteous jealousy over me. Your jealousy is not harmful but protective, aimed at preserving what is holy and true. Thank You for loving me so passionately that You would be jealous for my love and attention. Guide me away from idolatry of any form and draw me closer to You. May my life reflect Your love and Your holiness, free from the chains of jealousy that have held me captive.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.