Deuteronomy 6:15

KJV

(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.

KJV (with Strong's)

(For the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} is a jealous {H7067} God {H410} among {H7130} you) lest the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} be kindled {H2734} against thee, and destroy {H8045} thee from off the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because ADONAI, your God, who is here with you, is a jealous God. If you do, the anger of ADONAI your God will flare up against you and he will destroy you from the face of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.

American Standard Version

for Jehovah thy God in the midst of thee is a jealous God; lest the anger of Jehovah thy God be kindled against thee, and he destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:15 serves as a solemn warning within Moses' final address to the Israelites, emphasizing the absolute necessity of exclusive worship to Yahweh. It underscores that the LORD, as a jealous God, demands singular devotion from His covenant people, and any turning to idolatry will inevitably provoke His righteous anger, leading to severe, even destructive, consequences that could result in their removal from the Promised Land. This verse highlights the gravity of covenant faithfulness and the protective nature of God's zeal for His own glory and His people's well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the heart of Moses' second discourse in Deuteronomy, often referred to as the "Deuteronomic Code" or the "Great Commandment" section (Deuteronomy 6-11). It immediately follows the profound declaration of the Shema, which commands Israel to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might" [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). The Shema [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Commands") establishes the singular identity of God ("The LORD our God, the LORD is one") and the singular devotion He requires. Verse 15 then functions as a direct and potent warning against the violation of this foundational principle, serving as a negative reinforcement of the positive command to love and obey God exclusively. It is a vital reminder of the covenant's stipulations and the dire consequences of breaking them, setting the stage for subsequent warnings against forgetting God in prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, on the brink of entering the land of Canaan, a region saturated with polytheistic and idolatrous cultures. The dominant religious practices of the Canaanites involved the worship of numerous gods, particularly Baal and Asherah, often accompanied by fertility cults, child sacrifice, and temple prostitution. Moses, acutely aware of the seductive power of these practices, repeatedly warned Israel against assimilation. This historical juncture was critical; Israel was transitioning from a nomadic existence to settled agrarian life, where the temptation to adopt local deities—believed to control agricultural fertility—would be immense. Deuteronomy 6:15, therefore, is a prophetic warning against the very real and imminent danger of syncretism and idolatry, which would directly violate the First Commandment given at Sinai: "You shall have no other gods before me" [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). The warning reflects God's desire to preserve Israel's unique identity as His consecrated people in a hostile spiritual environment.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's Righteous Jealousy**. This is not human envy, but a divine attribute signifying His zealous and exclusive devotion to His covenant relationship with Israel, His intolerance of rivals to His unique position as the one true God, and His commitment to protect His glory and His people from the destructive nature of idolatry. This aspect of God's character is also explicitly stated in passages like [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God's Jealousy Declared"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Exclusive Worship and Monotheism**. The core message is a demand for Israel's absolute loyalty and devotion to Yahweh alone, rejecting all other gods. Any act of worshipping other deities is depicted as spiritual adultery, a profound breach of the covenant. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Divine Consequences and Covenant Faithfulness**. The warning "lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth" underscores the severe and certain judgment for disobedience and idolatry. God's anger is a righteous response to covenant unfaithfulness, highlighting the gravity of sin and the potential for complete destruction or expulsion from the land, as also warned in [Deuteronomy 4:26](/deuteronomy/4-26 "Deuteronomy 4:26 - Consequences of Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jealous (Hebrew, _qanna'_):** This term (קַנָּא) is an adjective derived from the verb _qana'_, meaning "to be zealous," "to be ardent," or "to be envious." When applied to God, it does not imply human insecurity or petty envy, but rather a fierce, protective, and exclusive passion for His covenant relationship and His own glory. God's jealousy is a holy attribute, signifying His intolerance of rivals to His unique position as the only true God. It reflects His absolute holiness and His righteous indignation against anything that would defile the purity of worship or undermine His covenant with His people, ultimately for their good and His glory.
* **Kindled (Hebrew, _ḥarah_):** The verb (חָרָה) literally means "to burn," "to be hot," or "to glow." When used in reference to God's anger, it vividly portrays an intense, burning indignation or wrath. This is not an uncontrolled outburst but a righteous and just response to sin, particularly to idolatry, which is a direct affront to His sovereignty and a betrayal of the covenant. The imagery of "kindled anger" suggests a consuming fire, indicative of the severity of the divine judgment that follows.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _shamad_):** This verb (שָׁמַד) signifies complete annihilation, eradication, or utter destruction. In the context of the covenant, it often refers to being cut off from the land or from the covenant community, implying national ruin, exile, or even physical death. It underscores the totality and finality of the judgment against those who persist in idolatry, emphasizing that such unfaithfulness threatens the very existence of Israel as God's chosen nation in the land He promised.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you)":** This parenthetical clause provides the foundational reason for the subsequent warning. It reveals a core aspect of God's character: His inherent jealousy. This jealousy is not a flaw but a holy attribute, signifying His exclusive claim over His people and His zealous protection of His unique relationship with them. The phrase "among you" highlights God's immanence and His active presence within the covenant community, making the threat of His wrath immediate and personal. Because He is present, He sees and responds to their faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
* **"lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee,":** This clause presents the direct consequence of provoking God's jealousy through idolatry or disobedience. The "lest" introduces a warning, indicating a potential outcome to be avoided. God's "anger" is a righteous response to sin, a holy indignation that burns against unfaithfulness. The imagery of anger being "kindled" suggests a fierce, consuming fire, indicating the intensity and destructive power of divine wrath when His covenant is violated.
* **"and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.":** This final clause specifies the ultimate and most severe outcome of God's kindled anger. "Destroy thee" refers to the complete eradication or removal of the unfaithful from their privileged position. "From off the face of the earth" implies being cut off from the Promised Land, the place of blessing and covenant fulfillment, potentially through exile, plague, famine, or military defeat, leading to national ruin. It underscores the existential threat that idolatry posed to Israel's very survival as God's people in His land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:15 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The verse itself functions as a strong **Warning** or **Admonition**, a common feature in covenant renewal texts, designed to impress upon the hearers the gravity of their choices. The initial phrase, "(For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you)," serves as a **Parenthesis**, providing the theological rationale for the subsequent warning. This interjection reveals a fundamental attribute of God that underpins His demands and His reactions. The description of God's anger being "kindled" is a vivid **Metaphor** or **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like emotional intensity (a burning sensation) to God to make His wrath comprehensible and impactful. Similarly, describing God as "jealous" is an **Anthropomorphism**, using a human emotion to convey a divine attribute of exclusive devotion and protective zeal. The phrase "destroy thee from off the face of the earth" employs **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and comprehensive nature of the divine judgment, highlighting that covenant unfaithfulness could lead to utter national devastation and expulsion from the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:15 is a cornerstone for understanding God's nature and the covenant relationship. It establishes that God's love for His people is not passive but fiercely protective and exclusive. His "jealousy" is a holy attribute, reflecting His absolute uniqueness and His demand for singular worship, which is essential for the spiritual health and very existence of His people. Idolatry, therefore, is not merely a minor transgression but an act of spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant that provokes His righteous wrath. This wrath is not arbitrary but a just response to a violation that threatens His glory and the well-being of those He loves. The verse thus teaches the profound seriousness of covenant fidelity and the destructive consequences of turning away from the one true God, emphasizing that true blessing flows from undivided devotion.

* [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "God's Jealousy and Punishment")
* [Joshua 24:19](/joshua/24-19 "God's Holiness and Jealousy")
* [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "God's Vengeance and Jealousy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:15, though rooted in ancient Israel's context, resonates with profound relevance for believers today. While we may not bow to physical idols of wood and stone, the principle of exclusive devotion to God remains paramount. Modern "idolatry" often manifests in more subtle forms: anything that takes God's rightful place as the supreme object of our affection, trust, and pursuit. This could be money, career, relationships, self-image, comfort, technology, or even "good" causes that become ultimate concerns, displacing God from the center of our lives. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, challenging us to identify and dismantle any idols we might be harboring. It reminds us that God's "jealousy" is not a sign of insecurity, but of His perfect love and holiness; He is zealous for our good, protecting us from the spiritual emptiness and destructive consequences that inevitably follow when we seek fulfillment apart from Him. Understanding this divine jealousy helps us appreciate the seriousness of our commitment to Him and the boundless grace that calls us back to undivided allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "idols" might be subtly competing for the supreme place in my heart and life, diverting my devotion from God?**
* **How does understanding God's "jealousy" as a holy, protective love, rather than human envy, deepen my appreciation for His character and His covenant with me?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more exclusive and undivided devotion to the LORD in my daily life?**
* **Considering the severe consequences warned in this verse, how does it motivate me to pursue greater faithfulness and obedience to God's commands?**

### FAQ
**Why is God described as 'jealous' in this verse?**

Answer: The term "jealous" (Hebrew: _qanna'_) when applied to God, does not imply human envy or insecurity. Instead, it signifies His zealous and exclusive devotion to His covenant relationship with His people and His intolerance of rivals to His unique position as the one true God. It reflects His absolute holiness and His commitment to protect His glory and His people from the destructive nature of idolatry. God's jealousy is a righteous attribute, demanding singular worship because He alone is worthy of it, and because any deviation from Him leads to spiritual and physical ruin for His people. It's a protective love that guards the purity of the relationship and the well-being of His beloved. This concept is also seen in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God's Jealous Name").

**What does "destroy thee from off the face of the earth" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a severe and comprehensive judgment, typically referring to national ruin, exile, or being cut off from the Promised Land, rather than necessarily the annihilation of every individual. For ancient Israel, being "destroyed from off the face of the earth" meant losing their unique identity as God's covenant people in the land He promised them. It could involve military defeat, famine, plague, or forced displacement, as seen in the later exiles of Israel and Judah. It underscores the existential threat that idolatry posed to their national existence and their privileged status as God's chosen nation, emphasizing that covenant unfaithfulness had dire, tangible consequences for their collective future. Warnings of this nature are common throughout Deuteronomy, such as in [Deuteronomy 4:26](/deuteronomy/4-26 "Deuteronomy 4:26 - Consequences of Idolatry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:15, with its stark warning against idolatry rooted in God's jealous nature, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed humanity's inherent tendency toward idolatry and the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling God's demand for exclusive devotion, Christ perfectly embodied that devotion. He is the one who perfectly loved the LORD God with all His heart, soul, and might, fulfilling the very command that precedes this warning [Mark 12:29-30](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29-30 - The Greatest Commandment"). Furthermore, the "anger of the LORD" that threatened to "destroy" unfaithful Israel was fully absorbed and propitiated in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through His death, Jesus bore the righteous wrath of God against sin, including our idolatry, offering reconciliation and a path to forgiveness where only destruction once lay [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") and [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ"). In Christ, God's jealous love is most profoundly revealed: He did not destroy us in our idolatry but provided a way for us to be redeemed and brought into a true, exclusive relationship with Him. Believers are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely worship the one true God, turning from all idols to serve the living and true God, because Christ, who is God incarnate [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ"), has made it possible for us to offer the undivided devotion that God's jealous love demands and deserves.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:24

For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Deuteronomy 11:17

And [then] the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.

Deuteronomy 7:4

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Deuteronomy 5:9

Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Psalms 90:7

¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.