40 Powerful Bible Verses About Jealousy

Jealousy is one of the most subtle yet destructive emotions addressed in Scripture. It often begins quietly in the heart but can grow into bitterness, resentment, and broken relationships if left unchecked. The Bible does not ignore this struggle; instead, it speaks clearly and lovingly about the dangers of jealousy and the freedom that comes from walking in love, humility, and contentment.

This collection of bible verses about jealousy will help you understand God’s perspective, recognize the spiritual consequences of jealousy, and learn how Scripture calls believers to live differently. Whether jealousy shows up in friendships, family relationships, ministry, or personal growth, God’s Word offers wisdom, correction, and hope.

Understanding Jealousy From a Biblical Perspective

In the Bible, jealousy is often connected to envy, strife, and comparison. It is a heart issue that reflects dissatisfaction with what God has given and mistrust in His plans. Scripture shows that jealousy can lead people to harm others, rebel against authority, and even oppose God’s work.

However, the Bible also distinguishes between sinful jealousy and God’s righteous jealousy. While human jealousy is rooted in pride and insecurity, God’s jealousy flows from His holiness and covenant love. Understanding this difference is key to overcoming jealousy in a godly way.

What God Says About Jealousy

God consistently warns against jealousy because it corrupts the heart and damages relationships. Scripture teaches that jealousy is not a harmless emotion but a spiritual condition that can hinder obedience and faith.

God calls His people to trust Him completely rather than compare themselves with others. When jealousy takes root, it reveals a struggle with contentment and gratitude. God desires His children to walk in love, celebrate the success of others, and rest in His perfect will.

At the same time, the Bible speaks of God as a jealous God in the sense of covenant faithfulness. His jealousy is holy, protective, and rooted in love, not insecurity. This contrast helps believers understand that sinful jealousy is about self, while godly zeal is about honoring God.

Consequences of Jealousy in the Bible

The Bible provides many examples showing how jealousy leads to destruction when left unchecked:

Broken Relationships: Cain’s jealousy toward Abel led to the first murder. Joseph’s brothers allowed envy to divide their family and cause years of pain.
Loss of Peace: Jealousy robs the heart of peace, replacing joy with bitterness and frustration.
Spiritual Decline: Scripture connects jealousy with carnality and immaturity. It prevents spiritual growth and weakens faith.
Opposition to God’s Work: Religious leaders opposed Jesus not because of truth, but because of envy. Jealousy can blind people to God’s purposes.
Divine Discipline: The Bible shows that unchecked jealousy can invite correction, loss, and missed blessings.

These lessons remind us why bible verses about jealousy are so important for self-examination and spiritual growth.

40 Powerful Bible Verses About Jealousy

Below are carefully selected verses from the King James Version (KJV) that reveal how God views jealousy, its dangers, and the path to freedom.

Proverbs 14:30 “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
Proverbs 27:4 “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”
James 3:16 “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Galatians 5:19–21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest… envying’s… they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not…”
Proverbs 23:17 “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.”
Ecclesiastes 4:4 “Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor.”
Job 5:2 “For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.”
Psalm 37:1 “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
Romans 13:13 “Let us walk honestly… not in strife and envying.”
Titus 3:3 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish… living in malice and envy…”
Genesis 4:5 “And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”
Genesis 37:11 “And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.”
Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt…”
Mark 15:10 “For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”
Proverbs 6:34 “For jealousy is the rage of a man…”
Song of Solomon 8:6 “Jealousy is cruel as the grave…”
1 Timothy 6:4 “Doting about questions and strife’s of words, whereof cometh envy…”
1 Peter 2:1 “Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and envies…”
Romans 1:29 “Being filled with all unrighteousness… envy…”
Proverbs 3:31 “Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
Galatians 5:26 “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
James 4:2 “Ye lust, and have not… ye fight and war…”
1 Corinthians 3:3 “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying…”
Psalm 73:3 “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Proverbs 24:19 “Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked.”
Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice…”
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory…”
Colossians 3:12 “Put on therefore… kindness, humbleness of mind…”
Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness…”
Luke 15:28 “And he was angry, and would not go in…”
Matthew 20:15 “Is thine eye evil, because I am good?”
Numbers 16:3 “They gathered themselves together against Moses…”
1 Samuel 18:9 “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.”
Ecclesiastes 9:6 “Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished…”
James 3:14 “If ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts…”
Romans 11:14 “If by any means I may provoke to emulation…”
Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty…”
2 Corinthians 12:20 “Lest there be debates, envying’s, wraths…”
Psalm 119:36 “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.”

These bible verses about jealousy reveal how seriously God addresses this issue and why believers are encouraged to guard their hearts.

How to Overcome Jealousy Through God’s Word

Here are simple ways to overcome jealousy through God’s word:

Pray for a transformed heart – Ask God to replace jealousy with love and gratitude.
Practice contentment – Focus on God’s faithfulness in your own life.
Celebrate others sincerely – Rejoicing with others weakens envy.
Renew your mind with Scripture – God’s Word reshapes thoughts and attitudes.
Walk in love daily – Love actively resists jealousy.

Conclusion

Jealousy may be common, but it does not have to control your life. God’s Word provides clarity, conviction, and healing. As you meditate on these bible verses about jealousy, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and lead you into freedom.

God calls His people to live in love, humility, and trust. When jealousy is replaced with gratitude and faith, peace returns, relationships are restored, and spiritual growth flourishes. Let Scripture guide you toward a heart that reflects Christ.