Exodus 34:14

KJV

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou shalt worship {H7812} no other {H312} god {H410}: for the LORD {H3068}, whose name {H8034} is Jealous {H7067}, is a jealous {H7067} God {H410}:

Complete Jewish Bible

because you are not to bow down to any other god; since ADONAI -whose very name is Jealous -is a jealous God.

Berean Standard Bible

For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

American Standard Version

(for thou shalt worship no other god: for Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:14 powerfully declares God's unique and exclusive nature, asserting His sole claim to worship and devotion from His covenant people. This verse underscores the foundational principle of monotheism within the Mosaic Covenant, articulating that Israel must worship only the Lord because He is inherently and righteously "Jealous" for His own honor and the fidelity of His chosen nation. It serves as a stark warning against idolatry and a profound revelation of God's passionate commitment to His relationship with humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 34:14 is situated within the narrative of the renewed covenant at Mount Sinai, following the catastrophic incident of the [golden calf](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). Moses has re-ascended the mountain to receive a second set of stone tablets, replacing those he shattered in righteous indignation (cf. [Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")). The preceding verses in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - Renewal of the Covenant") detail God's gracious self-revelation to Moses, proclaiming His character as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (cf. [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Revelation")). This declaration of divine jealousy immediately follows commands to not make covenants with the inhabitants of the land, nor to worship their gods, setting the stage for the subsequent stipulations regarding exclusive worship and the prohibition of idolatrous practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a polytheistic world, where various nations worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, often incorporating elements of other cultures' deities into their own religious practices (syncretism). Israel, having been delivered from Egypt, a land steeped in idolatry, was constantly susceptible to the pervasive influence of the surrounding Canaanite cultures, whose fertility cults and pagan rituals were deeply entrenched. The incident of the [golden calf](/exodus/32-1 "Exodus 32:1 - The Golden Calf") vividly illustrated Israel's propensity for idolatry and their struggle to maintain exclusive allegiance to Yahweh. Therefore, God's declaration in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God's Jealousy") served as a critical safeguard for Israel's spiritual purity and national identity, distinguishing them sharply from their neighbors and reinforcing the absolute necessity of monotheism as the foundation of their covenant relationship with the one true God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jealous (Hebrew, _qanna'_):** The Hebrew word קַנָּא (_qanna'_) translates to "jealous" or "zealous." When applied to God, this term does not denote the petty, insecure, or envious jealousy often associated with human sin. Instead, it describes a holy, righteous, and fervent zeal for His own honor, glory, and the exclusive devotion of His covenant people. God's jealousy is an active, protective attribute, signifying His passionate commitment to the purity and integrity of His relationship with Israel. It means He tolerates no rivals for the worship and affection that rightfully belong to Him alone, acting to preserve His unique status and to guard His people from the destructive consequences of idolatry.
* **Other god (Hebrew, _'elohim 'acherim'_):** The phrase אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים (_'elohim 'acherim_) literally means "other gods." This plural form explicitly refers to the deities worshipped by the surrounding nations, emphasizing that Yahweh is distinct and utterly separate from the false gods of the pagan world. The prohibition against worshipping "other gods" is a direct and absolute command against polytheism and syncretism, reinforcing the monotheistic core of Israel's faith. It highlights God's demand for exclusive allegiance, leaving no room for divided loyalties or the incorporation of foreign religious practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou shalt worship no other god":** This clause serves as a direct, emphatic command, a categorical prohibition against idolatry. It reiterates the fundamental principle of the First Commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")), making it clear that Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh demands absolute and undivided allegiance. The "other god" refers to any deity or object of worship apart from the Lord, highlighting the exclusive nature of true worship.
* **"for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God":** This explanatory clause provides the profound theological rationale for the preceding command. It reveals a core attribute of God's character: His divine jealousy. The repetition of "Jealous" (first as a proper noun or attribute, then as an adjective) intensifies the declaration. It signifies that God's very being is characterized by an unyielding zeal for His own glory and the exclusive devotion of His people. This jealousy is not a flaw, but a holy passion that protects His unique identity and the integrity of the covenant, ensuring His people's well-being by guarding them from the spiritual adultery of idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 34:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominently used with the word "Jealous," first stating "whose name is Jealous" and then "is a jealous God." This repetition serves to emphasize and underscore the absolute nature of this divine attribute, ensuring its significance is not overlooked. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by attributing "jealousy" to God, an emotion typically associated with humans. However, in God's case, it is a holy and righteous zeal rather than a human flaw, highlighting His passionate commitment to His covenant relationship and His intolerance of any rivals for His unique position. Furthermore, the structure of the verse, moving from a command ("thou shalt worship no other god") to its theological justification ("for the LORD... is a jealous God"), creates a strong sense of **Emphasis** and logical consequence, reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of exclusive worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:14 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and the nature of true worship. It reveals that God's jealousy is not a weakness but a righteous, protective zeal for His own glory and the purity of His covenant relationship with His people. This divine attribute underscores the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion, making it clear that God will not share His glory with another and that any form of idolatry is an affront to His unique sovereignty. This principle establishes monotheism as the bedrock of biblical faith, demanding wholehearted allegiance and warning against any divided loyalties that would compromise our relationship with the Creator.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")
* [Joshua 24:19](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19 - God is Holy and Jealous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 34:14 calls us to a profound self-examination regarding the true objects of our worship and affection. While overt idol worship may be less common in contemporary society, the principle of God's exclusive claim on our hearts remains eternally relevant. Modern "gods" can manifest in subtle but equally insidious forms: the relentless pursuit of material wealth, the idolization of career success, the unbridled devotion to relationships, self-indulgence, technological dependence, or anything that consumes our ultimate loyalty, time, and affection that rightfully belongs to God. This verse challenges us to critically assess what truly holds the highest place in our lives, where we seek our ultimate satisfaction, security, and identity. God's "jealousy" is a testament to His deep, protective love for us, desiring our ultimate good and guarding us from anything that would diminish our relationship with Him. It is a call to cultivate wholehearted, undivided devotion, recognizing that He desires our full attention and worship, not merely a portion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" (material possessions, career, relationships, self, technology, etc.) might be subtly competing for my ultimate loyalty and affection today?**
* **How does understanding God's "jealousy" as a holy, protective love rather than a human flaw change my perception of His demand for exclusive worship?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more wholehearted and undivided devotion to God in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God's "name is Jealous" and He "is a jealous God"?**

Answer: This declaration in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God's Jealousy") reveals a unique and essential attribute of God. Unlike human jealousy, which often stems from insecurity, envy, or a desire for what belongs to another, God's jealousy is a holy, righteous, and protective zeal for His own glory, His unique status, and the exclusive devotion of His covenant people. It means He is utterly intolerant of any rivals for the worship and affection that are due to Him alone. His jealousy is a manifestation of His perfect love and faithfulness, as He guards His relationship with His people from anything that would corrupt or diminish it, such as idolatry or divided loyalties. It's a passion to preserve the purity and integrity of His covenant.

**Is God's jealousy a negative attribute, like human jealousy?**

Answer: No, God's jealousy is fundamentally different from human jealousy, which is often a sinful emotion. Human jealousy is typically rooted in insecurity, selfishness, or envy, leading to destructive behaviors. God's jealousy, however, is a positive and holy attribute. It arises from His perfect nature and His rightful claim as the sole Creator and Redeemer. It is a protective love that fiercely guards His own honor and the well-being of His people, preventing them from falling into the spiritual adultery and destructive consequences of worshipping false gods. [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire") describes Him as "a consuming fire, a jealous God," indicating His active opposition to anything that would defile His holiness or His relationship with His chosen ones.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 34:14, with its declaration of God as a "jealous God," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on God's exclusive claim to worship, rooted in His divine jealousy, foreshadows the New Testament's revelation of Jesus as the sole means of access to God and the ultimate object of our devotion. Christ Himself declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")," embodying the very exclusivity that God's jealousy demands. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus perfectly upheld God's honor and satisfied His righteous zeal against sin and idolatry. He is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together (cf. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Therefore, to worship Christ is to worship the Father, and any worship directed elsewhere is an affront to the divine jealousy revealed in both testaments. The New Covenant, established in Christ's blood, calls believers to an even deeper and more personal exclusive devotion, recognizing Jesus as Lord of all and the rightful recipient of all glory, honor, and praise (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")).

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.

Deuteronomy 32:21

They 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 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Matthew 4:10

Then 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.

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

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;

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [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.