from קָנָא; jealousy or envy; envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal.
Transliteration:qinʼâh
Pronunciation:kin-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H7068}}` (קִנְאָה, *qinʼâh*) derives from the verbal root `{{H7065}}` (קָנָא, *qanaʼ*), meaning "to be zealous, jealous, or envious." As a noun, `{{H7068}}` denotes the state or emotion of jealousy, envy, or zeal. Its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing both deeply negative and profoundly positive connotations, making contextual analysis crucial for accurate interpretation.
In its negative sense, `{{H7068}}` refers to human envy, rivalry, or a destructive form of jealousy that often leads to strife, bitterness, and sin. This is a covetous desire for what another possesses or a resentment of another's success.
Conversely, `{{H7068}}` can denote a positive, fervent zeal or passion. Most notably, it describes God's divine jealousy, which is not a flaw but an attribute of His holy character, signifying His absolute commitment to His covenant, His exclusive claim on His people's worship, and His fervent protection of His glory. It can also describe a righteous human zeal for God's honor, justice, or truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7068}}` appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Negative Human Jealousy/Envy:** This aspect is often depicted as a destructive force. In [[Proverbs 27:4]], it is described as more cruel than wrath, highlighting its potential for intense malice. [[Proverbs 14:30]] links envy to rottenness in the bones, emphasizing its corrosive effect on the individual. It is also seen as a source of contention and strife, as in [[Isaiah 11:13]], where the "envy of Ephraim" and the "jealousy of Judah" are depicted as hindrances to unity. The account of Peninnah's provocation of Hannah (`{{H7068}}` is not used here, but the underlying concept of rivalry is clear, and the root `{{H7065}}` is used in [[1 Samuel 1:6]]) illustrates the pain caused by such envy.
* **Divine Jealousy:** This is a prominent and theologically significant usage. God repeatedly declares Himself a "jealous God" (El Qannaʼ, using the adjective `{{H7067}}` derived from the same root) in passages like [[Exodus 20:5]] and [[Deuteronomy 4:24]]. This divine jealousy is not akin to human insecurity; rather, it reflects His absolute holiness, His demand for exclusive worship, and His fervent commitment to His covenant relationship with Israel. It is a holy attribute that drives Him to protect His people from idolatry and to vindicate His own name ([[Ezekiel 39:25]]). God's jealousy is also linked to His passionate care for His land and His people, as seen in [[Joel 2:18]] and [[Zechariah 1:14]], where He is "jealous for Zion with great jealousy."
* **Righteous Human Zeal:** While less common, `{{H7068}}` can also signify a positive, fervent zeal for God's honor or righteousness. Phinehas's action in [[Numbers 25:11]] is described as being "zealous with My zeal" (`{{H7068}}` is used in the construct state), demonstrating a fierce devotion to God's law that averted divine wrath. Similarly, Elijah's fervent declaration in [[1 Kings 19:10]] and [[1 Kings 19:14]], "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts," exemplifies a righteous passion for God's glory in the face of apostasy. [[Psalm 69:9]] (quoted in [[John 2:17]]) speaks of "zeal for your house" consuming the psalmist, illustrating a fervent devotion to divine worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and critical related term is the verbal root `{{H7065}}` (קָנָא, *qanaʼ*), from which `{{H7068}}` is derived. This verb carries the core meaning of being zealous, jealous, or envious, and its various conjugations further illuminate the nuances of `{{H7068}}`. Another direct derivative is the adjective `{{H7067}}` (קַנּוֹא, *qannoʼ*), most famously used to describe God as "jealous."
Other related concepts include:
* **Anger and Wrath:** `{{H639}}` ('aph), `{{H2534}}` (chemah) – Human jealousy often coexists with or escalates into anger and wrath.
* **Strife and Contention:** `{{H4683}}` (matz'ah), `{{H7379}}` (riv) – Jealousy is a frequent cause of interpersonal and societal conflict.
* **Idolatry:** `{{H4577}}` (massekah), `{{H1544}}` (gillulim) – God's jealousy is often provoked by idolatry, as it represents a breach of the covenant and a betrayal of exclusive devotion.
* **Love and Fidelity:** `{{H160}}` (ahavah), `{{H2617}}` (chesed) – These positive attributes stand in stark contrast to destructive human jealousy, while God's jealousy is rooted in His unwavering love and fidelity to His covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7068}}` is profound, revealing aspects of both divine and human nature.
* **Divine Nature and Holiness:** God's qinʼâh is a pivotal attribute. It signifies His absolute uniqueness, His intolerance of any rival, and His fervent, unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Unlike human jealousy, which stems from insecurity or covetousness, God's jealousy is an expression of His perfect holiness and His righteous demand for exclusive worship. It ensures His glory is not shared and His people remain faithful. It undergirds the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([[Exodus 20:3]]). His jealousy is a guarantee of His fidelity to His promises and His protective care for His chosen ones.
* **Human Sinfulness:** In humans, qinʼâh often exposes the fallen nature. Envy and selfish jealousy are consistently condemned as vices that lead to division, bitterness, and destructive actions. They are rooted in pride, covetousness, and a lack of contentment. The New Testament also lists jealousy (`{{G2205}}` - zēlos) among the "works of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:20]]), highlighting its antithesis to the fruit of the Spirit.
* **Righteous Zeal:** Yet, the concept of qinʼâh also offers a positive model for human behavior: a fervent, righteous zeal for God's honor and the advancement of His kingdom. This zeal is not self-serving but God-centered, motivated by love for His truth and justice. It is a passion to see God's will done and His name glorified, even in the face of opposition.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7068}}` (קִנְאָה, *qinʼâh*) is a multifaceted term derived from the root `{{H7065}}` (קָנָא, *qanaʼ*), signifying jealousy, envy, or zeal. Its meaning is highly dependent on context. When applied to humans, it frequently denotes a negative, destructive envy or rivalry, a "rottenness in the bones" ([[Proverbs 14:30]]) that leads to strife and sin. However, when attributed to God, `{{H7068}}` reveals a holy, righteous, and passionate commitment to His covenant, His people, and His exclusive glory, making Him a "jealous God" ([[Exodus 20:5]]) who tolerates no rivals. Furthermore, `{{H7068}}` can also describe a positive, fervent human zeal for God's honor and truth, as exemplified by figures like Phinehas and Elijah. Understanding `{{H7068}}` thus requires careful discernment, recognizing its capacity to represent both a grave human failing and a glorious divine attribute.
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