Nearly everyone has felt jealous at some point, but the Bible talks a lot about the perils of jealousy and its spiritual repercussions. Even while it might seem like a minor or even innocuous emotion, jealousy can develop into resentment, hatred, and division if it is not controlled. We are cautioned by Scripture that jealousy can harm our relationships with God and other people. We may start to address envy and replace it with love and contentment if we know what the Bible says about it.
Jealousy is frequently shown in both the Old and New Testaments as an indication of a heart that is not in accordance with God’s truth. Saul’s jealously of David stoked years of anger and violence, while Cain’s hatred of Abel resulted in the first murder. These illustrations demonstrate how envy impairs our judgment, causes blindness, and finally separates us from righteousness and serenity. The Bible verses about being jealous doesn’t hold back when illustrating the destructive power of unrepented jealously.
Scripture, however, offers hope for conquering jealousy as well. It tells us that happiness in Christ may protect our hearts from comparison and that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4). We can develop gratitude and faith in God’s timing and provision by turning our attention from what other people have to what God has given for us. Envy has less opportunity to establish itself in our hearts the more we abide in His love.
You can consider the spiritual and emotional effects of jealousy as well as how to face it with grace and truth by considering these Bible verses about being jealous. These passages provide insight, guidance, and consolation whether you’re dealing with envy in relationships, accomplishments, or material possessions. Allow them to lead you to a happier, more contented existence that is motivated by the joy of God’s love and free from the burden of comparison.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Being Jealous in 2025
1. Exodus 20:5
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…”
In the Ten Commandments, God reveals Himself as a jealous God, not out of insecurity, but out of covenantal love. His jealousy is rooted in a holy desire for exclusive worship and relational faithfulness. This divine jealousy contrasts human jealousy, which is often tainted with envy and insecurity. God’s jealousy is pure, righteous, and protective—calling His people away from idolatry and into loving allegiance.
2. Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Solomon contrasts inner peace with the corrosive power of envy. While peace brings wholeness and vitality, jealousy slowly erodes a person’s well-being. This verse reveals that jealousy is more than an emotional reaction—it’s a spiritual toxin that affects both body and soul. Cultivating contentment and gratitude is a remedy that brings life, while unchecked jealousy leads to destruction.
3. James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
James highlights the devastating consequences of envy. Jealousy isn’t just a personal issue—it breeds chaos, division, and moral compromise. In communities, churches, and relationships, the presence of jealousy undermines harmony and invites conflict. This verse calls believers to seek wisdom from above, which is marked by peace and humility rather than envy and competition.
4. Galatians 5:19–21
“…jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions…those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In Paul’s list of sinful acts of the flesh, jealousy stands among some of the most destructive behaviors. It is a serious matter—one that reflects a heart misaligned with the Spirit of God. This passage serves as a sober warning: jealousy is not a trivial flaw, but a barrier to kingdom living. Believers are called to walk in the Spirit and reject the patterns of jealousy that lead to division and judgment.
5. 1 Corinthians 3:3
“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
Paul rebukes the Corinthian believers for their spiritual immaturity, which is evident in their jealousy and conflict. Jealousy is described here as a mark of worldliness—a life not yet fully transformed by the Spirit. The apostle challenges the church to rise above such behavior and pursue unity and love. This verse reminds us that jealousy disrupts spiritual growth and reflects a life still dominated by fleshly desires.
6. Genesis 4:5–6
“But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
Cain’s jealousy of his brother Abel led to the first recorded murder in Scripture. His inability to accept God’s correction and rejoice in his brother’s success resulted in tragedy. This narrative teaches us that jealousy, when left unchecked, opens the door to sin and destruction. God’s gentle warning to Cain was an invitation to master his emotions, but Cain chose rage over repentance.
7. Song of Solomon 8:6
“…Jealousy is as unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.”
This poetic verse uses vivid imagery to describe the consuming nature of jealousy. Though spoken in the context of romantic love, it captures the power and intensity of possessive desire. Jealousy can become all-consuming, fierce, and difficult to quench. The verse serves both as a warning and a reflection on the human capacity for deep passion—urging believers to direct such intensity wisely and under the guidance of love.
8. Acts 7:9
“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.”
Jealousy led Joseph’s brothers to commit a grievous act of betrayal. Rather than celebrating Joseph’s dreams and favor, they plotted against him out of envy. Yet even in the midst of their harmful intentions, God’s providence prevailed. This verse reminds us that jealousy often stems from insecurity and fear, but God can redeem even the darkest plots for His divine purpose.
9. Ecclesiastes 4:4
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Solomon reflects on the futility of labor driven by jealousy. When our ambitions are fueled by comparison rather than purpose, our efforts become empty and joyless. This verse challenges the mindset of competing to outshine others. Instead, believers are called to work with a heart of stewardship and purpose—not out of rivalry or envy.
10. Romans 13:13
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
Paul urges the church to live honorably, casting off behaviors that belong to darkness—including jealousy. This verse equates jealousy with other destructive lifestyles, highlighting its seriousness. It serves as a call to holiness, urging believers to live transparent, Christlike lives that reflect integrity, peace, and self-control.
11. Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Paul warns against the spiritual dangers of pride and comparison. Conceit and envy often go hand in hand—when we overestimate ourselves, we tend to provoke others and become jealous of their success. This verse is a plea for humility and genuine fellowship. God calls His people to a life of encouragement, not competition. Jealousy erodes community, but love builds it.
12. 1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Peter exhorts believers to put off attitudes and behaviors that destroy spiritual maturity. Envy is listed among the traits that must be cast off for growth to happen. Like old garments, jealousy must be discarded so that the new life in Christ can flourish. This verse highlights the importance of cleansing the heart to receive the nourishing truth of God’s Word.
13. Titus 3:3
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved…we lived in malice and envy…”
Paul reminds Titus that all believers once lived in darkness, marked by sin—including envy. Jealousy here is a sign of a life enslaved to sin. Yet, this verse is not meant to shame but to highlight the mercy of God in transforming us. It’s a call to remember where we’ve come from, to foster compassion, and to continue growing in godliness, free from the chains of jealousy.
14. Job 5:2
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
This verse from Job offers a striking truth: envy is self-destructive. It doesn’t harm the one envied, but the one who envies. Like a weapon turned inward, jealousy corrodes the soul. The wisdom here is to turn from resentment and cultivate humility and trust in God’s timing and provision. Contentment is not passivity but a wise posture of the heart.
15. Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
The psalmist counsels believers not to be disturbed or envious when it seems like the wicked are prospering. God sees beyond the surface, and His justice is sure. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s righteousness and perfect timing. Envy of the wicked reveals a short-sighted faith—but peace comes from seeing life through God’s eternal lens.
16. James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
James exposes the root of many conflicts—unchecked desire and jealousy. Instead of bringing our needs to God, we grasp at them through strife and comparison. This verse reveals the tragic chain reaction of envy: dissatisfaction, conflict, and spiritual disconnection. The cure is found in surrender—asking God with humility instead of scheming through envy.
17. Matthew 27:18
“For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.”
Pilate recognized the religious leaders’ true motive in arresting Jesus—envy. Their jealousy of His influence and popularity led to the greatest injustice in history. This verse reveals the dangerous power of religious envy and pride. Even outwardly spiritual people are not immune to jealousy. Only humility and truth can guard our hearts from such deceit.
18. 1 Samuel 18:9
“And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.”
After David’s military success, King Saul grew intensely jealous. His envy turned to suspicion, paranoia, and eventual violence. This verse marks the beginning of Saul’s tragic decline. Rather than rejoicing in David’s anointing, Saul allowed jealousy to cloud his judgment and ruin his legacy. This passage warns us of the subtle beginnings of jealousy—and its dangerous consequences when left unchecked.
19. Proverbs 27:4
“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”
This proverb compares jealousy to intense emotions like anger and fury—and declares it even more destructive. Jealousy is relentless and consuming, often hidden beneath the surface but potent in its impact. The verse serves as a wake-up call: unchecked jealousy is powerful enough to destroy relationships, peace, and even character. Only the fear of the Lord can subdue such forces.
20. Isaiah 11:13
“Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim.”
This prophetic vision speaks of a future reconciliation between the divided tribes of Israel. Jealousy and rivalry will be removed, and unity restored. It paints a hopeful picture: that in God’s redemptive plan, even longstanding jealousy can be healed. This verse encourages us to pursue peace and unity, trusting that God can dismantle envy and hostility, even among enemies.
21. Philippians 1:15
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.”
Paul acknowledges that even within ministry, jealousy can be a driving force. Some were preaching Christ not to glorify God, but to compete with Paul. Yet, Paul chose to rejoice that Christ was being proclaimed. This verse reminds us to guard our motivations—even spiritual work can be tainted by envy. True service must flow from love, not rivalry or insecurity.
22. Zechariah 8:2
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.’”
God’s jealousy for Zion expresses His passionate commitment to His people. Unlike human jealousy, God’s is holy and protective—it arises from His covenant love and desire for their wholehearted devotion. This verse reflects a divine jealousy that seeks restoration, not destruction. It reminds us of how deeply God values His relationship with us.
23. Genesis 30:1
“When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister.”
Rachel’s struggle with infertility led her to envy her sister Leah. This verse shows how comparison within close relationships can breed jealousy and sorrow. Instead of rejoicing in Leah’s blessings, Rachel’s heart turned bitter. Yet, God did not abandon her. This story reminds us that God sees our pain—and that jealousy is a signal to turn to Him rather than resent others.
24. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…”
In one of the most well-known passages on love, Paul defines what true, godly love looks like—and what it excludes. Envy has no place in love, because love seeks the good of others. This verse reminds us that jealousy is the opposite of love. When we love others as Christ commands, we will not resent their blessings—we will celebrate with them.
25. Deuteronomy 4:24
“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
God’s jealousy is again emphasized in Deuteronomy as a powerful, purifying force. It is not rooted in selfishness but in holy righteousness and covenant loyalty. Like fire, God’s jealousy burns away idolatry and calls His people to exclusive worship. This verse underscores that God’s jealousy is not a flaw—it is a sign of His deep, unwavering love and justice.
26. Mark 15:10
“…knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.”
Echoing Matthew 27:18, this verse confirms the motive behind Jesus’ betrayal: jealousy masked as religious concern. The religious leaders couldn’t accept Jesus’ authority, popularity, or purity, so they plotted against Him. This shows how spiritual jealousy can lead to grievous sin. It challenges us to examine our hearts—are we threatened by others’ anointing, or do we honor it?
27. Galatians 6:4
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
Paul offers a clear solution to jealousy: personal accountability and self-examination. When we focus on our own journey with God, we avoid the destructive habit of comparison. This verse calls us to live with integrity and contentment—celebrating what God is doing in our lives without competing with others.
28. Job 36:13
“The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.”
Jealousy and resentment go hand in hand, especially in the hearts of those who reject God’s correction. This verse speaks of stubbornness and bitterness—choosing resentment over repentance. It warns that holding onto envy can harden the heart, making one resistant to God’s help. Surrender is the pathway to healing and peace.
29. Romans 1:29
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice…”
In this sobering verse, Paul includes envy in a list of serious sins marking a godless society. It shows that jealousy is not harmless or trivial—it is a symptom of a life disconnected from God. This verse invites believers to examine their hearts and pursue righteousness in thought, attitude, and action.
30. Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Asaph, the psalmist, admits to struggling with jealousy when he saw the wicked flourishing. But later in the Psalm, he realizes their apparent success is fleeting. This honest confession is relatable and comforting—it shows that even the faithful wrestle with envy. The key is returning to God’s presence, where perspective and peace are restored.
Conclusion
Although jealousy is a normal human feeling, it can seriously impede spiritual development, thankfulness, and peace if ignored. The Bible makes it quite evident that when envy dominates our thoughts and behavior, it can result in discontent, conflict, and even immorality. But Scripture also provides us with a better way, one based on love, contentment, and faith in God’s flawless purpose for our life.
Instead of condemning us for feeling envious, God encourages us to face our emotions and let His truth change our hearts. We can find the source of our jealousy and start to replace it with humility and gratitude by reflecting on His Word. We can break free from the shackles of comparison and experience greater joy in our life when we learn to appreciate the benefits of others and find rest in God’s provision.
Let these Bible verses serve as a reminder to you that God controls your timing, value, and purpose. When jealously starts to creep in, pray for a heart that rejoices in truth and love and consult Scripture for perspective. By doing this, you’ll gain a deeper relationship with God and other people in addition to being free from jealousy.
