Is Jealousy Always A Sin?

Dr. Couch, is jealousy always a sin? God is said in the OT to be jealous, so does that mean that a believer can be jealous and not sin? 

 

    In the NT the word jealous comes from the Greek words zeelou (noun) and zeeloo (verb). The OT word (and related words) comes from kah’nah. 

Both words must be interpreted by context. For example in the OT it is perfectly legitimate for a husband to be jealous (zealously protective) of his wife (Num. 5:14, 30), and, enthusiastic for His God (Num. 25:13). God can be zealously protective for Zion and the city of Jerusalem (Zech. 1:14; 8:2). But in the negative, sinful sense, the word can be translated to envy (Gen. 26:14; 30:1; 37:11).

    Concerning the Corinthians, Paul said he "was jealous for them with a godly jealously" (2 Cor. 11:2). Thus, he had a zeal, an enthusiasm, for the believers in that church. Of the legalistic, unbelieving Jews, it is said that they were moved with envy against how people were responding to Paul (Acts 17:5). James speaks of lusting after material things and says that such folks desire to have more (James 4:2). True love does not envy (1 Cor. 13:4) and it is okay to desire certain spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1).

    All of the words in italics above come from the same Hebrew and Greek words! So the key is context. Example: It would be wrong to envy someone who just bought a new car, but it would not be wrong to be zealously protective over the safety of your wife.

I hope this helps. And thanks for asking.

Dr. Mal Couch