Acts 7:9 explicitly mentions the patriarchs being ‘moved with envy’ (jealousy) and selling Joseph into Egypt, directly illustrating jealousy as a motive. The surrounding verses provide the historical and theological context of Joseph’s story, showing God’s providence despite human jealousy. This passage clearly relates to the topic without distorting meaning and offers a distinctive example of jealousy in biblical narrative.

Romans 13:13 mentions ‘envying,’ which is closely related to jealousy, but the passage primarily focuses on walking honestly and avoiding sinful behaviors like rioting, drunkenness, and wantonness. The broader context emphasizes living in the light and loving one another, which indirectly counters jealousy but does not explicitly address it. The passage is somewhat relevant but not distinctively or practically focused on jealousy alone.

Proverbs 6:34 explicitly defines jealousy as the rage of a man and connects it to vengeance, fitting well with the topic of jealousy. The surrounding verses discuss adultery and its consequences, providing clear context about the emotional and moral turmoil jealousy can provoke. The passage is distinctive in portraying jealousy as a powerful, destructive emotion leading to unforgiving behavior, making it practically useful for understanding the dangers of jealousy.

The verse explicitly mentions envy (jealousy) as a destructive force that can ‘slay the silly one,’ which is relevant to the topic. The surrounding context discusses the consequences of folly and trouble in life, which supports understanding the dangers of envy. However, the passage is poetic and general, not providing detailed teaching or practical guidance on jealousy, limiting its usefulness and distinctiveness.

2 Corinthians 12:20 explicitly lists ‘envyings’ among other negative behaviors Paul fears encountering in the Corinthian church, directly relating to jealousy. The surrounding verses clarify Paul’s concern about discord and sin within the community, providing strong contextual support. The passage is practically useful for addressing jealousy as a harmful attitude within Christian fellowship and is distinctive in its comprehensive listing of relational sins.

Genesis 37:11 explicitly states that Joseph’s brothers envied him, which is a direct expression of jealousy. The surrounding verses provide clear context about Joseph’s dreams and his brothers’ negative reaction, illustrating the cause and effect of jealousy within a family setting. This passage is a classic and distinctive biblical example of jealousy leading to familial strife, making it highly relevant and useful for the topic without any distortion or safety concerns.

The passage explicitly uses the term ‘jealous’ in a spiritual and godly sense, describing Paul’s protective and zealous care over the Corinthian believers to keep them faithful to Christ. The context clarifies that this jealousy is not sinful envy but a metaphor for devoted guardianship. This makes it a strong and distinctive example of godly jealousy in the New Testament.

Philippians 2:3 addresses attitudes of humility and valuing others above oneself, which indirectly counters jealousy by promoting selflessness and unity. However, the passage does not explicitly mention jealousy or directly address it, making the topical connection somewhat indirect. The surrounding verses emphasize humility and Christ’s example, providing strong context for interpersonal attitudes but not specifically jealousy.

Numbers 5:14 is part of a detailed ritual concerning the ‘spirit of jealousy’ that a husband may experience regarding his wife, specifically addressing suspected adultery. The passage and its surrounding verses provide clear cultural and religious context for jealousy as a serious and recognized issue in ancient Israelite society, with prescribed procedures to address it. The text is distinctive in its legal and ritualistic treatment of jealousy, making it highly relevant and contextually rich for the topic without distorting the original meaning.

This passage clearly illustrates Saul’s jealousy toward David, sparked by the women’s song praising David’s military success over Saul’s. The context before and after the verse shows the development of Saul’s envy and fear, leading to hostile actions against David. The passage is a strong biblical example of jealousy in a leadership and interpersonal context.

Exodus 34:14 explicitly identifies the LORD as a ‘jealous God,’ emphasizing His exclusive claim to worship and intolerance of idolatry. The surrounding verses reinforce this by warning against making covenants with idolaters and participating in their worship, providing clear theological context for divine jealousy as a protective, covenantal attribute rather than human envy. This passage is a distinctive and foundational biblical reference for the topic of jealousy in the sense of God’s zeal for exclusive worship.

Galatians 6:4 encourages individuals to focus on their own work and rejoice in their own accomplishments rather than comparing themselves to others, which can be related to overcoming jealousy. However, the passage does not explicitly mention jealousy or directly address it, making the topical connection plausible but not explicit. The surrounding verses emphasize personal responsibility and spiritual restoration, providing good context for the theme of avoiding envy or jealousy.

Genesis 4:4-5 clearly depicts Cain’s jealousy and anger because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his. The surrounding verses provide full context of the emotional and moral consequences of jealousy, including God’s warning and Cain’s subsequent actions. This passage is a foundational biblical example of jealousy leading to sin, making it highly relevant and useful for the topic without distorting the original meaning.

The verse 1 Corinthians 10:22 uses the term ‘jealousy’ in reference to the Lord’s protective zeal over His people, warning against provoking Him by idolatry or improper fellowship. The surrounding context discusses participation in the Lord’s table versus idolatrous practices, emphasizing spiritual faithfulness. While the term ‘jealousy’ is present, it is not about human jealousy but divine jealousy, which may be misunderstood if applied directly to human interpersonal jealousy. The passage is contextually rich but requires careful interpretation to avoid topical distortion.

Proverbs 23:17 explicitly warns against envying sinners, which directly relates to the topic of jealousy. The surrounding verses emphasize wisdom, discipline, and fearing the Lord, providing a clear context that contrasts envy with godly fear and wisdom. The passage offers practical guidance to avoid jealousy by focusing on reverence for God rather than coveting the sinful lifestyle of others.

Genesis 37:4 clearly illustrates the theme of jealousy as Joseph’s brothers hate him because their father loved him more. The surrounding verses provide strong context showing the development of this jealousy, including Joseph’s dreams that exacerbate their feelings. The passage is a classic biblical example of sibling jealousy and its consequences, making it highly relevant and useful for the topic without distorting the original meaning.

Deuteronomy 4:24 explicitly identifies the LORD as a ‘jealous God,’ emphasizing His zeal for exclusive worship and the dangers of idolatry. The surrounding verses reinforce this by warning Israel against worshipping other gods and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, providing clear theological context for understanding divine jealousy as protective and covenantal rather than petty envy.

The passage describes unbelieving Jews moved by envy (a form of jealousy) who incited a riot against Paul and his companions. While the term ‘envy’ is used, the passage focuses more on the resulting violent uproar and opposition to the gospel rather than an exposition on jealousy itself. The context is clear about the cause and effect, but the passage is not primarily about jealousy as a moral or spiritual topic. It is somewhat useful for illustrating jealousy/envy as a motive for opposition, but it is not distinctive or comprehensive on the topic.

Acts 13:45 explicitly describes the Jews being filled with envy (a form of jealousy) toward Paul and Barnabas as they preached, leading them to contradict and blaspheme. The surrounding verses provide clear context of opposition motivated by jealousy, making this passage a strong biblical example of jealousy in action.

Exodus 20:5 explicitly uses the term ‘jealous God’ in the context of the first commandment, emphasizing God’s exclusive claim to worship and His intolerance of idolatry. The passage is part of the Decalogue, providing clear theological grounding for the concept of divine jealousy, distinct from human envy. The surrounding verses reinforce the command against idolatry and the consequences of disobedience, giving strong contextual support.

Zechariah 8:2 explicitly uses the term ‘jealous’ in reference to God’s protective and zealous love for Zion, clearly illustrating divine jealousy as a theme. The surrounding verses reinforce God’s commitment to Jerusalem, providing strong contextual support. The passage is distinctive in portraying jealousy as a positive, protective attribute of God rather than a human failing, making it highly relevant and useful for the topic.