Jealous God is one of the specifically given names of God. It is one of the names of God that people have the most difficulty accepting. It helps us to understand that the Hebrew word for “jealous” also means “zealous.” God is zealous to see the very best for His children. Our best lies in relationship with Him: it is there that we are most fulfilled. When God sees us wandering away from Him into a lifestyle that hurts us, He is not envious but He jealous in the sense that He knows there is a better life for us in Him.
Jealous God in the Hebrew text of Exodus 20:5.
Jealous God in Hebrew:
’El qanna’
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 7067
Bible references: Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 4:24; 5:9; 6:15. Josh. 24:19 is ’El qanno’.
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 34:14 KJV)
For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24 KJV)
Similar names for God are the Jealous and avenging God and the God of vengeance.
