Exodus 34:14
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
For thou shalt worship
H7812
תִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
For thou shalt worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
3 of 12
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
אֵ֥ל
God
H410
אֵ֥ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 12
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָה֙
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שְׁמ֔וֹ
whose name
H8034
שְׁמ֔וֹ
whose name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
9 of 12
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:24For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.Deuteronomy 32:21They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.1 Corinthians 10:22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Nahum 1:2God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.Deuteronomy 29:20The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.Deuteronomy 6:15(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.Deuteronomy 32:16They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.Joshua 24:19And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern contexts, deities were often seen as territorial or tribal. Israel's God claims universal sovereignty and exclusive worship rights.
Questions for Reflection
- How is God's jealousy different from sinful human jealousy?
- What does God's jealousy reveal about the intimacy He desires with His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'worship no other god' leads to profound theological truth: 'the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God' (קַנָּא שְׁמוֹ, qanna shemo). Divine jealousy is not petty envy but righteous zeal for covenant fidelity. God's jealousy is His passionate commitment to His people and His glory. Just as marital jealousy protects the marriage covenant, God's jealousy guards His relationship with His people from adulterous idolatry.