Exodus 34 14

Exodus 34:14 kjv

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Exodus 34:14 nkjv

(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Exodus 34:14 niv

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Exodus 34:14 esv

(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Exodus 34:14 nlt

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.

Exodus 34 verses

Exodus 34 14 Meaning

Exodus 34:14 declares that the Lord God is uniquely zealous for His worship and will tolerate no rivals. It commands absolute monotheism, prohibiting the worship of any other deity, and attributes this demand to God's inherent nature, which is characterized as "Jealous." This divine jealousy is not a human flaw but a righteous and protective attribute safeguarding the covenant relationship and God's exclusive glory.

Exodus 34 14 Context

Exodus chapter 34 details God's renewal of the covenant with Israel after their profound sin of worshipping the golden calf (Ex 32). Moses is again on Mount Sinai, receiving new tablets of the Law to replace those he broke. Verses 6-7 describe God's gracious and compassionate character, yet immediately following this, verse 14 strongly emphasizes His demand for exclusive worship. This specific injunction serves as a foundational covenant stipulation, given the immediate backdrop of Israel's recent apostasy. It functions as a crucial preventative measure against repeating their error and a stark warning against adopting the idolatrous practices common among the surrounding Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) nations. The context thus underscores that God's grace does not negate His absolute demand for loyalty.

Exodus 34 14 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): A conjunction typically meaning "for" or "because," introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding statement (implicitly, why Israel should make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land, mentioned in v.12). It links God's command to His very nature.
• thou shalt worship (תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה, tishtachaweh): From the verb שָׁחָה (shachah), meaning "to bow down," "prostrate oneself," or "worship." It signifies profound reverence, adoration, and submission, the full act of veneration due to God alone.
• no other god (לָאֵל אַחֵר, la'el acher):
  • לָאֵל (la'el): "to a god." אֵל (El) is a general term for God or a deity, used here in the singular to refer to any false god.
  • אַחֵר (acher): "another," "other," or "different." This combination explicitly prohibits bowing down or worshipping any god that is not the Lord. It directly counters the polytheistic environment of the ANE.
• for (כִּי, ki): This repetition of "for" again emphasizes the justification for the command. The divine name and attribute follow this second "for."
• the LORD (יהוה, YHVH): The personal, covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes His unique identity, His relationship with Israel, and His self-existence as the only true God.
• whose name is Jealous (קַנָּא שְׁמוֹ, qanna sh'mo):
  • קַנָּא (qanna): "jealous," "zealous," or "ardent." This is a profound self-declaration by God. His very character and name are intrinsically tied to this attribute. Unlike human jealousy, which is often negative (envy), divine jealousy is pure and holy, stemming from His faithfulness to His covenant, His desire for His people's good, and His protection of His exclusive glory.
  • שְׁמוֹ (sh'mo): "His name." The "name" in Hebrew thought represents the character, reputation, and essence of a person. Thus, God's essential being is described as "Jealous."
• is a jealous God (אֵל קַנָּא הוּא, El Qanna hu):
  • אֵל (El): "God."
  • קַנָּא (qanna): "jealous" (reiteration).
  • הוּא (hu): "He" or "is."
  • This phrase reaffirms and emphasizes the previous declaration, solidifying "Jealous" not just as His name but as His fundamental nature and an intrinsic quality of El. It's a powerful and unmistakable statement about God's identity.

Exodus 34 14 Bonus section

• Divine Self-Revelation: The declaration "whose name is Jealous" (qanna sh'mo) is a unique aspect of divine self-revelation. It signifies that God's jealousy is an essential attribute, integral to His identity and holiness, rather than an emotion He experiences occasionally. It indicates His zealous commitment to preserving His covenant and preventing His people from spiritual harm through idolatry.
• Polemics against ANE Pantheon: In a world filled with numerous gods and goddesses, each associated with specific domains (weather, fertility, war), the statement "you shall worship no other god" is a radical theological departure. It asserts the singular supremacy and self-sufficiency of Yahweh over all purported deities, directly challenging the syncretistic practices and polytheistic worldview of neighboring cultures.
• Protective Jealousy: God's jealousy acts as a divine shield, protecting His people from the destructive consequences of false worship. Idolatry leads to moral corruption, social decay, and ultimately separation from the source of life. God's "jealousy" is therefore an expression of His profound love and concern for His covenant people.

Exodus 34 14 Commentary

Exodus 34:14 is a profound declaration that forms the very core of biblical monotheism and defines the covenant relationship. Following Israel's devastating sin of the golden calf, God, having revealed His gracious character in verses 6-7, immediately lays down this non-negotiable principle. It's not merely a command; it's a statement about who God fundamentally is. His "jealousy" is not a human emotion of insecurity or envy, but a righteous zeal that tolerates no rivals in worship. It stems from His absolute holiness and His commitment to His covenant. As a loving husband is "jealous" for the exclusive devotion of his wife, God demands exclusive loyalty from His people because their true welfare, salvation, and purpose are found solely in Him. To worship any other god or allow any form of spiritual syncretism would be a profound act of betrayal against their life-giving covenant, leading to spiritual decay and destruction. This verse serves as a constant reminder that God is the sole object of worship and devotion.