A strong feeling, jealousy can subtly infiltrate the heart and lead to significant emotional, relational, and spiritual difficulties. The Bible frequently discusses jealousy, both to reinforce God’s demand for contentment and faith in Him and to warn against its destructive nature.
Jealousy warps our perspective, causing us to compare ourselves to others and lose sight of God’s special plan for our lives, in contrast to healthy admiration or a desire to progress. Scripture shows that while God urges us to a life of peace, humility, and love, unbridled jealousy can result in bitterness, division, and even immorality.
Examples of how jealousy can ruin lives may be found throughout the Bible, such as Saul’s jealousy of David, which shattered his peace and kingdom, and Cain’s jealousy of Abel, which resulted in the first murder. These tales demonstrate how jealousy not only harms other people but also consumes the jealous individual.
God’s Word provides advice on how to get over envy by concentrating on thankfulness, asking for His wisdom, and celebrating the blessings He bestows upon us and others. By putting our faith in God’s provision, we can escape the poisonous hold of envy.
These jealousy-related Bible passages serve as a reminder that God wants His kids to live free, happy, and loving lives. They urge people to adopt an attitude of gratitude while also cautioning against the perils of jealousy. You will be led into spiritual maturity as you study these texts, discovering how to swap out jealousy for happiness, resentment for thankfulness, and rivalry for harmony. In addition to honoring God, you will develop closer, more wholesome bonds with people around you if you do this.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Jealousy (2025)
1. Genesis 37:11
“And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
This verse highlights the jealousy Joseph’s brothers felt because of his dreams and his father’s favor. Their envy led to bitterness and destructive actions. Jealousy unchecked can break families, destroy relationships, and lead to sin. This passage warns us of the dangers of harboring envy and challenges us to guard our hearts against resentment.
2. Exodus 20:5
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God.”
Here, God reveals His holy jealousy—not rooted in insecurity but in His rightful desire for His people’s exclusive worship. Unlike human jealousy that leads to division, God’s jealousy is protective, guarding His covenant relationship with His people. This verse reminds us that jealousy can be righteous when it springs from love and faithfulness rather than selfishness.
3. Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This proverb paints a vivid picture of how jealousy affects the human spirit. Envy does not just disrupt relationships; it also eats away at inner peace and joy. By pursuing contentment and trusting God’s provision, we can guard our hearts against the decay jealousy brings.
4. James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
James warns that jealousy is not a harmless feeling—it opens the door to chaos and destructive behavior. When envy and rivalry take root, they invite sin and division. This verse reminds us to seek godly wisdom, humility, and love, which lead to peace rather than disorder.
5. Song of Solomon 8:6
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.”
This verse portrays jealousy as a consuming fire when tied to deep love and passion. Unlike destructive envy, this kind of jealousy reflects the intensity of love that refuses to let go. It is unrelenting and powerful, showing that jealousy can sometimes reflect devotion and loyalty when properly directed.
6. Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
Proverbs identifies jealousy as more dangerous than anger and wrath because it lingers in the heart and eats away at trust. While anger may flare up quickly, jealousy often endures, leading to bitterness and strife. This verse reminds us to deal with jealousy swiftly before it takes root in our souls.
7. Ecclesiastes 4:4
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Solomon observes that jealousy often drives human ambition, yet it ultimately leaves us empty. When we strive only to outdo others, our efforts become meaningless. This verse challenges us to work with integrity and purpose, not from a heart of comparison or envy.
8. Acts 13:45
“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.”
Here we see jealousy manifest in opposition to the Gospel. Instead of rejoicing in God’s work, the religious leaders allowed envy of Paul’s influence to blind them. This verse warns us that jealousy can hinder spiritual growth and even cause us to resist God’s truth.
9. 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.”
Paul calls believers to live with integrity and avoid sinful patterns, including jealousy. He equates jealousy with other destructive behaviors that tear down community and dishonor God. This verse shows that jealousy is not a minor flaw—it is a serious sin that disrupts harmony and holiness.
10. 1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
The church in Corinth struggled with jealousy and division, which Paul rebukes as signs of immaturity. Jealousy reduces believers to worldly thinking instead of Spirit-filled living. This passage urges us to grow in love and unity, letting go of rivalry and comparison.
11. Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Paul warns against pride and jealousy because they fuel division within the body of Christ. Conceit leads to envy, which erodes love and fellowship. Instead, believers are called to humility and encouragement, building one another up instead of competing in envy.
12. Galatians 5:21
“…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 that separate people from God. This verse is a sobering reminder that unchecked jealousy is spiritually dangerous. It is not simply a small weakness but a destructive pattern that must be surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
13. Galatians 5:20
“Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.”
Paul includes jealousy in the list of sinful behaviors that disrupt the life of believers. This verse emphasizes that jealousy is not a harmless feeling—it stands alongside hatred and rage as a destructive force. It divides relationships and blinds us to God’s blessings.
14. 2 Corinthians 12:20
“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”
Paul’s concern for the church at Corinth shows how jealousy breeds division and spiritual weakness. When jealousy takes root, it creates strife and disorder in communities. This verse warns us to uproot jealousy before it spreads and damages relationships.
15. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
The famous love passage reminds us that true love and jealousy cannot coexist. Love chooses kindness over envy, humility over pride, and patience over rivalry. This verse challenges us to replace jealousy with genuine love that celebrates the success of others.
16. James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.”
James exposes the root of jealousy: unfulfilled desires and discontentment. Instead of bringing our needs to God, we allow envy to drive us into conflict. This verse reminds us that God is the true source of provision, and jealousy is a symptom of misplaced trust.
17. 1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Peter calls believers to actively remove jealousy from their lives. Envy belongs to the old life, not the new creation in Christ. By letting go of jealousy, we create space for love, sincerity, and unity to flourish in our relationships.
18. Acts 17:5
“But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.”
Here, jealousy drives hostility against Paul and Silas. Instead of embracing the Gospel, the jealous leaders stirred up opposition. This verse shows how jealousy can escalate into harmful actions and even violence if it is not restrained.
19. Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
The psalmist encourages believers not to fall into jealousy when evildoers seem to prosper. Envying the wicked leads to bitterness, but trusting in God brings peace. This verse reminds us that God’s justice and blessings are far greater than temporary worldly success.
20. Proverbs 23:17
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
This proverb draws a sharp contrast: envy leads us toward sin, but reverence for God leads us toward righteousness. Instead of being consumed by jealousy, we are called to focus on God’s ways. Zeal for the Lord provides lasting satisfaction, unlike the emptiness of envy.
21. Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Asaph honestly admits his struggle with jealousy when observing the success of the wicked. This transparency shows us that envy is a common human battle. However, the psalm later resolves with the realization that true fulfillment is found in God alone, not in worldly gain.
22. Job 5:2
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
Job’s friend highlights the destructive power of jealousy, which consumes those who allow it to linger. Envy not only harms relationships but also brings ruin to the one who harbors it. This verse warns us to reject jealousy before it destroys our peace and wisdom.
23. Matthew 27:18
“For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over.”
Even the trial and crucifixion of Jesus were driven by jealousy from the religious leaders. Their envy of His authority and influence blinded them to the truth. This verse demonstrates the seriousness of jealousy—it can lead to grave injustice and rejection of God’s plan.
24. Mark 15:10
“For he knew it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over.”
Mark echoes Matthew’s account, again showing how envy led to betrayal. The leaders were unwilling to surrender their status and influence, so they opposed Jesus. This passage reminds us that jealousy often springs from pride and fear of losing control.
25. Proverbs 6:34
“For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.”
This proverb highlights the destructive side of jealousy within relationships. While some forms of jealousy reflect protective love, uncontrolled jealousy leads to anger and revenge. The verse warns against provoking jealousy and urges faithfulness in relationships.
26. 1 Samuel 18:9
“And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”
After David’s victories, Saul’s jealousy turned into hatred and suspicion. Instead of celebrating David’s success, Saul viewed him as a threat. This verse shows how jealousy distorts perception and leads to destructive actions against others.
27. 1 Samuel 18:8
“Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he thought, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?’”
Saul’s jealousy reveals his insecurity and fear of losing his position. Instead of trusting God’s plan, Saul allowed envy to consume him. This passage shows how jealousy blinds us to God’s sovereignty and turns us against others unjustly.
28. Genesis 30:1
“When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, or I’ll die!’”
Rachel’s jealousy of Leah caused great tension in her marriage and family. This verse shows how comparison and envy rob us of peace. It reminds us that jealousy thrives when we focus on what others have rather than trusting God’s timing.
29. Genesis 4:5
“But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
Cain’s jealousy toward Abel’s accepted offering led to bitterness and eventually to murder. This early biblical example shows how dangerous jealousy becomes when left unchecked. It warns us to deal with envy before it escalates into sin.
30. Genesis 4:8
“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
Cain’s jealousy reached its tragic climax in the first murder recorded in Scripture. This passage demonstrates the destructive power of unchecked envy. It serves as a warning that jealousy, when nurtured, can lead to irreversible consequences.
31. Deuteronomy 5:9
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
Here, God describes Himself as a jealous God—not in weakness, but in holiness. His jealousy protects the covenant relationship He has with His people. This verse reminds us that God’s jealousy is righteous, demanding our exclusive worship and loyalty.
32. Nahum 1:2
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.”
Nahum presents God’s jealousy as part of His justice. Unlike human jealousy, God’s is holy—it arises from His love for righteousness and His people. This verse teaches us that God’s jealousy ensures He will confront evil and defend His name.
33. Zechariah 8:2
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.’”
God’s jealousy here is not destructive but protective. He burns with passionate love for His people and desires their restoration. This passage reassures us that God’s jealousy is rooted in His commitment to guard and bless His chosen ones.
34. Psalm 79:5
“How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?”
The psalmist laments under God’s discipline, describing His jealousy as burning fire. This reflects the seriousness of unfaithfulness to God. Yet it also shows that His jealousy is tied to love—He desires His people to return wholeheartedly to Him.
35. Ezekiel 36:5
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In my burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, for with glee and with malice in their hearts they made my land their own possession so that they might plunder its pastureland.”
God’s jealousy is expressed as zeal to protect His land and people from exploitation. This passage shows His passionate defense of what belongs to Him. It reassures believers that God does not ignore injustice—His jealousy is tied to His faithfulness.
36. Ezekiel 16:42
“Then my wrath against you will subside and my jealous anger will turn away from you; I will be calm and no longer angry.”
Here, God’s jealous anger is connected to Israel’s unfaithfulness. However, His love ensures that His wrath will not last forever. This verse highlights both the seriousness of provoking God’s jealousy and the hope of His mercy when repentance comes.
37. Ezekiel 23:25
“I will direct my jealous anger against you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and your ears, and those of you who are left will fall by the sword. Those of you who are spared will be taken away into exile.”
This passage shows the severity of God’s jealous anger against idolatry. His people’s betrayal brought judgment upon them. While difficult to read, this verse underscores the holiness of God’s jealousy and His refusal to tolerate unfaithfulness.
38. Zephaniah 3:8
“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them—all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.”
God’s jealousy here extends beyond Israel to the nations. His zeal for righteousness leads to a final judgment against all evil. This verse reveals that God’s jealousy is universal—it defends truth and punishes wickedness everywhere.
39. Ezekiel 8:3
“He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood.”
Ezekiel witnesses the idolatry that provoked God’s jealousy. This verse illustrates that jealousy arises when God’s rightful worship is given to false gods. It warns us against allowing idols—whether material possessions, relationships, or ambitions—to replace God in our lives.
40. Ezekiel 8:5
“Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, look toward the north.’ So I looked, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of jealousy.”
This final verse again highlights the “idol of jealousy” in God’s temple. Idolatry grieves God because it divides the hearts of His people. The verse closes our study with a clear reminder: jealousy, whether in human hearts or provoked by false worship, leads to brokenness unless we return fully to God.
Conclusion
In summary, jealousy is a harmful force that robs us of joy, serenity, and faith in God’s perfect plan, as the Bible makes abundantly evident. Jealousy can damage relationships, taint our hearts, and pull us away from the happy, loving lives that God wants for His children if it is allowed to run amok. Scripture tells us that we should focus on Christ, the source of all good gifts and the one who meets our deepest needs, rather than evaluating ourselves against others. We create space for God’s healing, serenity, and the ability to freely celebrate our own and other people’s benefits when we give up our jealousy.
In the end, developing an attitude of thankfulness and love is the key to conquering jealousy. We learn to trust God’s timing, provision, and special plan for our lives when we accept His truth. The Bible instructs us to walk honestly with God, to be content in any situation, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We can escape the clutches of envy and experience the fullness of joy that results from having a heart that is in harmony with God’s desire by reflecting on these verses and living by them every day.
