### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective קַנָּא (qannâʼ, `{{H7067}}`) is derived from the verbal root קָנָא (qanaʼ, `{{H7065}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of being "zealous," "envious," or "jealous." When applied to God, as it exclusively is in the Hebrew Bible, קַנָּא denotes a profound and holy possessiveness. It signifies God's absolute right to exclusive worship, allegiance, and devotion from His creation, particularly His covenant people. Unlike human jealousy, which often springs from insecurity, covetousness, or sinful envy, divine jealousy is a righteous attribute. It is an expression of God's perfect holiness, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His zeal to protect His glory and the purity of His relationship with His people. It is a jealousy that guards against spiritual idolatry and infidelity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קַנָּא (`{{H7067}}`) appears seven times in the Old Testament, always in reference to Yahweh. Its usage consistently highlights God's unique nature and His demand for unadulterated worship:
* **[[Exodus 34:14]]**: "For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is קַנָּא, is a קַנָּא God." This pivotal statement, following the golden calf incident, explicitly names God as "Jealous" and reiterates His nature. It underscores that His very character necessitates exclusive worship, making idolatry a direct affront to His being.
* **[[Deuteronomy 6:15]]**: "For the LORD your God in your midst is a קַנָּא God—lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from the face of the earth." Here, God's jealousy is presented as a protective fire, safeguarding Israel from the destructive consequences of turning to other gods. His jealousy is intrinsically linked to His potential wrath against covenant unfaithfulness.
* **[[Joshua 24:19]]**: Joshua warns the people, "You cannot serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a קַנָּא God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins." This solemn declaration emphasizes God's holiness and His intolerance of sin, especially covenant breaking. His jealousy means He will not overlook deliberate rebellion, demanding genuine fidelity from His people.
* **[[Nahum 1:2]]**: "The LORD is a קַנָּא and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and stores up wrath for his enemies." In this prophetic context, God's jealousy is connected to His righteous vengeance against those who oppose Him and oppress His people. It reveals a fierce commitment to justice and the vindication of His name.
While קַנָּא (`{{H7067}}`) is used in these passages, it is important to note that the very similar term קַנּוֹא (qannoʼ, `{{H7069}}`) also translated "jealous," appears in contexts such as [[Exodus 20:5]], [[Deuteronomy 4:24]], and [[Deuteronomy 5:9]], often within the Decalogue's prohibition against idolatry. Both terms convey the same core attribute of God, emphasizing His demand for exclusive devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding קַנָּא (`{{H7067}}`) includes several key terms and theological concepts:
* **קָנָא (qanaʼ, `{{H7065}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to be zealous, envious, jealous." This root can describe both positive zeal (e.g., Phinehas's zeal for God, [[Numbers 25:11]]) and negative human envy or jealousy (e.g., Rachel's jealousy of Leah, [[Genesis 30:1]]).
* **קִנְאָה (qinʼah, `{{H7068}}`)**: The noun form, meaning "jealousy, zeal, envy." Like the verb, it can denote righteous zeal (e.g., zeal for God's house, [[Psalm 69:9]]) or sinful human jealousy (e.g., the jealousy of a husband, [[Numbers 5:14]]).
* **קַנּוֹא (qannoʼ, `{{H7069}}`)**: Another adjective, nearly synonymous with קַנָּא, also meaning "jealous" and exclusively applied to God. Its occurrences in the Decalogue highlight the same divine attribute.
* **Holiness (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh, `{{H6918}}`)**: God's jealousy is inextricably linked to His holiness. Because He is utterly pure and set apart, He cannot tolerate anything that defiles His name or infringes upon His unique glory.
* **Covenant Loyalty**: The concept of God as קַנָּא is central to the covenant relationship. It underscores His expectation of exclusive loyalty from His people, demanding their full devotion and forbidding any spiritual infidelity.
* **Divine Wrath/Justice**: When provoked by idolatry or unfaithfulness, God's jealousy manifests as righteous anger and judgment, serving to uphold His justice and maintain the integrity of His covenant.
### Theological Significance
The declaration that God is קַנָּא (`{{H7067}}`) is a profound theological statement with several critical implications:
* **God's Exclusive Sovereignty**: This attribute underscores Yahweh's absolute and unique claim to worship. He is the one true God, tolerating no rivals or shared allegiance. This is foundational to the monotheistic faith of Israel and a core distinction from surrounding polytheistic cultures.
* **Protection of the Covenant**: God's jealousy is not a flaw, but a divine perfection that safeguards His covenant with Israel. It signifies His passionate commitment to His people, ensuring they remain faithful to Him and do not fall into the destructive practices of idolatry. It is an expression of His profound love and fidelity, guarding the relationship from spiritual adultery.
* **Holiness and Purity**: God's jealousy flows from His inherent holiness. He cannot share His glory with another ([[Isaiah 42:8]]). Any attempt to diminish His glory or offer worship to idols is an affront to His very nature and an act of spiritual rebellion.
* **Consequences of Disloyalty**: The concept of God as קַנָּא carries a solemn warning. Disloyalty, particularly idolatry, provokes His righteous anger and brings severe consequences, as evidenced by the warnings in the Law and the judgments pronounced by the prophets.
* **Contrast with Human Jealousy**: It is vital to differentiate divine jealousy from human jealousy. Human jealousy is often rooted in sin—envy, insecurity, or a possessiveness over what is not rightfully one's own. Divine jealousy, by contrast, is rooted in God's perfect character, His absolute ownership of all things, and His righteous demand for what is rightfully His: the exclusive worship and devotion of His creation.
### Summary
קַנָּא (qannâʼ, `{{H7067}}`) is a potent Hebrew adjective, derived from קָנָא (`{{H7065}}`), meaning "jealous" or "zealous." It is exclusively applied to God in the Old Testament, describing a fundamental aspect of His divine nature. This attribute signifies God's absolute and non-negotiable demand for exclusive worship and loyalty from His people, His intolerance of idolatry, and His protective zeal for His covenant. Far from being a negative human emotion, God's jealousy is a holy and righteous perfection, stemming from His inherent purity and His unwavering commitment to His covenant relationship. It serves as a profound warning against spiritual unfaithfulness, highlighting the serious consequences of provoking a holy and zealous God, while simultaneously affirming His unique sovereignty and His passionate desire for the undivided devotion of His people.
TRV