Exodus 34:14 - for you shall worship no other god: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 34:14" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:14 is a central statement about the nature of God in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Let's break it down:
"For you shall worship no other god:" This is a clear and direct commandment. The Israelites are forbidden from worshipping any other deities besides Yahweh. This is a foundational principle of monotheism, the belief in one God.
"for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." This explains why the Israelites are to worship no other gods. Yahweh's very name and nature are described as "Jealous."
Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Using the personal name implies a close, covenant relationship.
Jealous: This is the crucial part. The jealousy of God is a complex concept, often misunderstood. It does not mean petty, insecure envy as human jealousy often does. Instead, it implies:
A demand for exclusive loyalty: God's jealousy is a righteous indignation against anything that threatens the covenant relationship with His people. He demands their complete devotion.
A passionate protectiveness: God is deeply invested in His people and their well-being. He jealously guards them and their relationship with Him.
A concern for truth and righteousness: God's jealousy is a response to idolatry and the worship of false gods, which leads people astray from truth and righteous living.
Reflects a Loving Relationship: Consider the analogy of a marriage. If one partner is unfaithful, the other's jealousy is a reasonable response to the betrayal of a sacred bond. In the same way, God's jealousy stems from His love and commitment to His people, and His desire for a reciprocal relationship.
In essence, this verse emphasizes God's unique and exclusive claim on the worship and allegiance of His people. His "jealousy" is not a flaw, but a reflection of His righteous character, His passionate love for His people, and His commitment to truth and righteousness. It underscores the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
It's also important to note that this verse is often cited in discussions about the nature of God and the dangers of idolatry. Understanding the specific cultural and historical context of Exodus is crucial for interpreting this verse accurately. The ancient Near East was filled with various deities, and the prohibition against worshipping them was a defining characteristic of Israelite faith.
Exodus 34:14 - for you shall worship no other god: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
What does "Exodus 34:14" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:14 is a central statement about the nature of God in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Let's break it down:
"For you shall worship no other god:" This is a clear and direct commandment. The Israelites are forbidden from worshipping any other deities besides Yahweh. This is a foundational principle of monotheism, the belief in one God.
"for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." This explains why the Israelites are to worship no other gods. Yahweh's very name and nature are described as "Jealous."
Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Using the personal name implies a close, covenant relationship.
Jealous: This is the crucial part. The jealousy of God is a complex concept, often misunderstood. It does not mean petty, insecure envy as human jealousy often does. Instead, it implies:
A demand for exclusive loyalty: God's jealousy is a righteous indignation against anything that threatens the covenant relationship with His people. He demands their complete devotion.
A passionate protectiveness: God is deeply invested in His people and their well-being. He jealously guards them and their relationship with Him.
A concern for truth and righteousness: God's jealousy is a response to idolatry and the worship of false gods, which leads people astray from truth and righteous living.
Reflects a Loving Relationship: Consider the analogy of a marriage. If one partner is unfaithful, the other's jealousy is a reasonable response to the betrayal of a sacred bond. In the same way, God's jealousy stems from His love and commitment to His people, and His desire for a reciprocal relationship.
In essence, this verse emphasizes God's unique and exclusive claim on the worship and allegiance of His people. His "jealousy" is not a flaw, but a reflection of His righteous character, His passionate love for His people, and His commitment to truth and righteousness. It underscores the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
It's also important to note that this verse is often cited in discussions about the nature of God and the dangers of idolatry. Understanding the specific cultural and historical context of Exodus is crucial for interpreting this verse accurately. The ancient Near East was filled with various deities, and the prohibition against worshipping them was a defining characteristic of Israelite faith.