Jealousy is a deeply human emotion. Whether it’s sparked by comparison, insecurity, or fear, it can cause damage to relationships, cloud our judgment, and lead us away from God’s peace. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this topic. It shows us both the dangers of jealousy and how to overcome it with humility, love, and trust in God’s plan.
When studying jealousy in the Bible, we find examples of how envy led to broken families, personal downfall, and even violence. But we also find guidance for turning away from jealousy and embracing contentment.
This post highlights 35 key Bible verses that address jealousy—some warning against it, others offering insight on how to overcome it.
Let’s look at what Scripture says and find wisdom for handling this emotion with grace and faith.
35 Bible Verses About Jealousy In The Bible
1. Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Explanation: Envy doesn’t just harm our relationships—it eats away at our peace and well-being from the inside out.
2. James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Explanation: Jealousy opens the door to chaos and unhealthy behavior. It’s a warning to guard our hearts.
3. Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious… jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition… those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Explanation: Paul lists jealousy as one of the destructive behaviors that separate us from living fully in God’s kingdom.
4. Exodus 20:17
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house… or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Explanation: God’s command against coveting shows that jealousy begins when we compare and desire what others have.
5. 1 Corinthians 3:3
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?
Explanation: Paul calls out jealousy as a sign of spiritual immaturity among believers.
6. Romans 13:13
Let us behave decently… not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Explanation: Jealousy is grouped with serious moral failures, reminding us of its destructive potential.
7. Genesis 4:6-7
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?… sin is crouching at your door.”
Explanation: Cain’s jealousy of Abel led to the first murder. This verse shows the warning signs before envy turns into sin.
8. Acts 7:9
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt.
Explanation: Joseph’s brothers let jealousy guide their choices, causing great pain in their family.
9. 1 Samuel 18:8-9
Saul was very angry… “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought… And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.
Explanation: Jealousy fueled Saul’s bitterness and eventually led him to try to kill David.
10. Song of Songs 8:6
…jealousy is as unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire…
Explanation: This verse compares jealousy to a fire—intense, consuming, and dangerous when out of control.
11. Job 5:2
Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
Explanation: Envy can destroy us from within. It offers nothing good, only harm.
12. Ecclesiastes 4:4
I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another…
Explanation: Much of what drives people is unhealthy comparison. This verse warns us not to live by envy.
13. Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Explanation: We’re called to encourage one another—not compete or compare.
14. Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish… living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Explanation: Envy is part of a life before Christ. As believers, we’re called to rise above it.
15. 1 Peter 2:1
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Explanation: Peter tells us to let go of envy—it has no place in a believer’s heart.
16. Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
Explanation: Even when others seem to prosper in wrongdoing, we are not to envy them.
17. Psalm 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.
Explanation: Envy is often born out of comparison. This verse reminds us to trust God’s justice.
18. Proverbs 3:31
Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.
Explanation: Don’t admire or imitate those who gain success through aggression or harm.
19. James 4:2
You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want…
Explanation: James points to jealousy as the root of many conflicts and sinful choices.
20. Genesis 30:1
When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister.
Explanation: Rachel’s jealousy created tension in her family. This verse shows how envy can hurt close relationships.
21. Proverbs 6:34
For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy…
Explanation: Jealousy in relationships can lead to anger, mistrust, and destruction.
22. Acts 13:45
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying…
Explanation: Jealousy caused the religious leaders to oppose the gospel out of pride and fear of losing influence.
23. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Explanation: Humility counters jealousy. By valuing others, we keep envy in check.
24. Matthew 27:18
For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
Explanation: Even Jesus was targeted out of jealousy. The religious leaders envied His following and wisdom.
25. Romans 11:11
…because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.
Explanation: Paul points out that God can even use jealousy for good—stirring hearts to return to Him.
26. Deuteronomy 5:9
For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…
Explanation: God’s jealousy is different—it’s holy and protective, not rooted in insecurity.
27. Exodus 34:14
Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Explanation: God’s jealousy reflects His rightful desire for our full devotion—not sinful envy.
28. Nahum 1:2
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God…
Explanation: God’s jealousy is part of His justice, aimed at protecting what is right and holy.
29. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…
Explanation: True, godly love is never jealous. This verse is a powerful guide to healthy relationships.
30. Galatians 6:4
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone…
Explanation: Focus on your own growth, not on comparing with others. This guards against envy.
31. Psalm 73:3
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Explanation: Even faithful people struggle with envy. But God gently redirects our focus back to Him.
32. Genesis 37:11
His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Explanation: Joseph’s story again shows how jealousy can lead to family betrayal and pain.
33. 1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Explanation: The cure for jealousy is contentment. Trust that what God gives is enough.
34. Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…
Explanation: Envy often grows out of discontentment. God invites us to rest in His provision.
35. Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility…
Explanation: When we choose love and humility, we push jealousy out of our hearts.
Final Thoughts: From Envy to Grace
Jealousy is something we all face at some point, but the Bible gives us wisdom and tools to overcome it. As we’ve seen in these Bible verses about jealousy in the Bible, envy is dangerous—it divides, distracts, and destroys. But through humility, contentment, and love, we can live free from its grip.
Let these verses serve as both a warning and an encouragement. God calls us to something better: peace, gratitude, and trust in His plan.
Which of these verses speaks to your heart? Have you ever faced jealousy and seen God work through it? Share your experiences or favorite scriptures in the comments below—we’d love to hear your story and walk this journey with you.