### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qinʼâh**, represented by `{{H7068}}`, is derived from the root `{{H7065}}` and conveys a powerful sense of jealousy, envy, or zeal. It appears **43 times** across **41 unique verses** in the Bible. The word captures a dual-sided emotion, ranging from the righteous, protective passion of God to the destructive, corrosive envy found in humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7068}}` is used to describe both divine and human motivations. God's **zeal** is presented as the very force that accomplishes His sovereign will and establishes His kingdom [[Isaiah 9:7]]. His **jealousy** is a righteous response to idolatry and unfaithfulness, depicted as a consuming **fire** of judgment ([[Zephaniah 1:18]], [[Ezekiel 36:5]]). In human contexts, it is a destructive force. **Envy** is called "the rottenness of the bones" [[Proverbs 14:30]], a motive stemming from observing the success of a neighbor [[Ecclesiastes 4:4]], and is described as being as **cruel** as the grave [[Song of Solomon 8:6]]. The term is also used in a specific legal context in the "law of **jealousies**" concerning a wife suspected of infidelity [[Numbers 5:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope and intensity of `{{H7068}}`:
* `{{H7065}}` **qânâʼ** (to be zealous, jealous or envious): This is the root verb from which **qinʼâh** is derived. It describes the action of being zealous, as when Phinehas acted "for my sake" (with **zeal**) and turned away God's wrath from Israel [[Numbers 25:11]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh** (heat; figuratively, anger, poison, rage, wrath): This word for fury or rage is often paired with **qinʼâh** to describe an intense state. In [[Proverbs 6:34]], **jealousy** is described as "the **rage** of a man," and God promises to deal **furiously** with unfaithful people as an expression of His **jealousy** [[Ezekiel 23:25]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This is a frequent metaphor for the consuming nature of God's jealousy. The psalmist asks if the LORD's **jealousy** will "burn like **fire**" forever [[Psalms 79:5]], and prophets declare that the land will be devoured by the "**fire** of his **jealousy**" [[Zephaniah 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7068}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and the nature of sin.
* **Divine Zeal and Covenant Protection:** God's **jealousy** is an expression of His passionate commitment to His people and His holy name. It is not a flaw but a righteous force that executes His promises. The "**zeal** of the LORD of hosts" is the guarantee that His plans will be accomplished [[Isaiah 9:7]]. This **zeal** is stirred to action against His enemies, like a warrior clad for battle ([[Isaiah 59:17]], [[Isaiah 42:13]]).
* **The Destructive Power of Human Envy:** When applied to humans, `{{H7068}}` describes a corrosive and deadly sin. It is portrayed as "the rottenness of the bones," indicating an internal decay [[Proverbs 14:30]]. It is described as being as **cruel** as the grave [[Song of Solomon 8:6]] and an emotion that no one is able to stand before [[Proverbs 27:4]].
* **A Fuel for Divine Judgment:** God's **jealousy** is frequently the motivation behind His righteous judgment against sin. It is a **fire** that devours the land in response to unfaithfulness [[Zephaniah 1:18]]. The LORD's anger and **jealousy** smoke against the one who breaks covenant, bringing curses upon him [[Deuteronomy 29:20]]. Judgment is given in "**fury** and **jealousy**" [[Ezekiel 16:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7068}}` is a potent word that illustrates a profound contrast. On one hand, it represents God's holy and protective **zeal**—a righteous passion for His covenant, His people, and His own glory. On the other hand, it signifies the destructive and sinful human emotion of **envy**. The word powerfully captures the intense nature of both divine love and the grievous consequences of sin.
TRV