jealousy Summary and Overview

suspicion of a wife's purity, one of the strongest passions (Num. 5:14; Prov. 6:34; Cant. 8:6); also an intense interest for another's honour or prosperity (Ps. 79:5; 1 Cor. 10:22; Zech. 1:14).

JEAL'OUSY . It is most frequently used to denote a suspicion of conjugal infidelity. 2 Cor 11:2. It is sometimes used for anger or indignation, Ps 79:5; 1 Cor 10:22, or an intense interest for the honor and prosperity of another. Zech 1:14; Zech 8:2. The same term, in a similar sense, is used in speaking of God, for he is represented as a husband, related to his Church by a marriage-covenant that binds her to be wholly for him, and not for another. The more sincere and constant the love, the more sensitive is the heart to the approach of a rival; and the thought of such affection being alienated or corrupted fills the soul with grief and indignation. So God commends the purity, the fervency, and the sincerity of his love to his Church by the most terrific expressions of jealousy. The various significations of the word "jealousy" are denoted usually by its connection. It is one of the strongest passions of our nature. Prov 6:34; Song 8:6. The Image of Jealousy, Eze 8:3, Song of Solomon 8:5, is the same with Tammuz, in Am 8:14. See Tammuz. Jealousy-offering, or Waters of Jealousy. See Adultery.