Exodus 34:14
Exodus 34:14 in Multiple Translations
For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
(for thou shalt worship no other god: for Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God);
For you are to be worshippers of no other god: for the Lord is a God who will not give his honour to another.
because you must not worship any other gods than the Lord. His name stands for being exclusive, because he is a God who demands an exclusive relationship.
(For thou shalt bow downe to none other god, because the Lord, whose Name is Ielous, is a ielous God)
for ye do not bow yourselves to another god — for Jehovah, whose name [is] Zealous, is a zealous God.
for you shall worship no other god; for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
Adore not any strange god. The Lord his name is Jealous, he is a jealous God.
You must worship only me, and not worship any other god, because I, Yahweh, cannot endure any rivals.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 34:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
לֹ֥א
תִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
לְ/אֵ֣ל
אַחֵ֑ר
כִּ֤י
יְהוָה֙
קַנָּ֣א
שְׁמ֔/וֹ
אֵ֥ל
קַנָּ֖א
הֽוּא
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
V-v-Imperf-2ms
לְ/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Prep | N-ms
אַחֵ֑ר
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
קַנָּ֣א
qannâʼ
H7067
jealous
Adj
שְׁמ֔/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
קַנָּ֖א
qannâʼ
H7067
jealous
Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 34:14
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
V-v-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לְ/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
אַחֵ֑ר
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
קַנָּ֣א
qannâʼ
H7067
"jealous"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes God's jealous nature, showing His strong passion for His people. It emphasizes God's intense love and commitment. In the Bible, it highlights God's exclusive relationship with Israel.
Definition: jealous (only of God)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: jealous. Compare H7072 (קַנּוֹא). See also: Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 6:15.
שְׁמ֔/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
קַנָּ֖א
qannâʼ
H7067
"jealous"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes God's jealous nature, showing His strong passion for His people. It emphasizes God's intense love and commitment. In the Bible, it highlights God's exclusive relationship with Israel.
Definition: jealous (only of God)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: jealous. Compare H7072 (קַנּוֹא). See also: Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 6:15.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 34:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 34:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
- Sermons on Exodus 34:14
Context — The LORD Renews the Covenant
12Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst.
13Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles.
14For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
15Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. 16And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:24 | For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:21 | They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:22 | Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? |
| 4 | Matthew 4:10 | “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ” |
| 5 | Nahum 1:2 | The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. |
| 6 | Exodus 20:3–5 | You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 29:20 | The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 6:15 | For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. |
| 9 | Exodus 34:5–7 | And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 9:6 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. |
Exodus 34:14 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is a jealous God who desires our wholehearted devotion and loyalty. He wants us to worship and love Him alone, without rivaling our affection with other things or people, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5. By prioritizing our relationship with God and surrendering our lives to Him, we can experience the fullness of His love and mercy, as promised in Psalm 103:8 and Romans 8:38-39. As we reflect on God's jealousy, let us remember that it is a passionate expression of His deep love for us, and may it inspire us to love and worship Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, as instructed in Matthew 22:37-38.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God describe Himself as a jealous God in Exodus 34:14?
God's jealousy is not like human jealousy, which is often rooted in insecurity or possessiveness. Instead, God's jealousy is a passionate desire to protect and nurture His relationship with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Ezekiel 36:5-6.
What does it mean to worship other gods, and why is it forbidden in this verse?
Worshiping other gods means giving loyalty, devotion, or service to anything or anyone other than the one true God, as warned against in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10. This is forbidden because it would be a betrayal of God's covenant with His people and would lead to spiritual adultery.
How can we apply the principle of not worshiping other gods in our modern lives?
We can apply this principle by being mindful of the things that capture our attention, affection, and priorities, and ensuring that they do not rival our love and devotion to God, as instructed in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 12:34.
Is God's jealousy a negative trait, and does it contradict His love and mercy?
God's jealousy is not a negative trait, but rather a necessary aspect of His character that demonstrates His deep love and commitment to His people, as seen in Isaiah 54:5 and Hosea 11:8-9. It does not contradict His love and mercy, but rather complements them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'gods' in my life that might be competing with my loyalty to the one true God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness and majesty, as described in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation 4:8-11?
- What are some ways I can prioritize my relationship with God and make sure He is the central focus of my life, as encouraged in Psalm 27:4 and Matthew 6:33?
- How can I balance the idea of God's jealousy with His love and mercy, and what does this reveal about His character and heart for me?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:14
For thou shall worship no other god,.... Than the Lord their God, the one only living and true God, which was the first command given to the people of Israel, and binding upon all men: for the Lord
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:14
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous god.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
Whose name is Jealous; who hath made himself known by, and glories in that name, The jealous God, who cannot endure any competitor or corrival; whereas the false and puny gods of the heathens were contented with multitudes of partners. So this is properly said to be the name of God, whereby he is known and distinguished from all other gods.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:Ver. 14. No other god.] In the Hebrew word Acher, rendered Other, there is a large R, to show the greatness of the sin of serving any other God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
(14) For thou shalt worship no other god.—The images, altars, and groves would, if retained, lead on to the worship of the gods to whom they were dedicated—indeed, they could be retained for no other purpose. Thus their destruction followed, as a corollary, from the second commandment. Whose name is Jealous.—Comp. Exodus 20:5, and see Note 2 on that passage. Many attempts have been made to show that jealousy is unworthy of the Divine Nature; but that the one Only God, if there be but one Only God, should claim and exact under severe penalties an undivided allegiance is natural, reasonable, and in harmony with the most exalted conceptions of the Divine essence. If God looked with indifference upon idolatry, it would imply that He cared little for His human creatures: that, like the Deity of Epicurus, having once created man and the world, He thenceforth paid no attention to them.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:14
14. thou shalt not worship any other god] Cf. the plural ‘other gods,’ in Exodus 20:3. ‘Worship’ is lit. bow down (Exodus 20:5), as regularly. whose name is Jealous] on ‘name’ (= ‘character’), see on Exodus 33:19. a jealous God] as Exodus 20:5, where see the note.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:14
12-26. Take heed to thyself — Here follows a brief resume of the laws previously ordained, and written in the Book of the Covenant, 21-23. They may be resolved into ten precepts, as follows:1.
Sermons on Exodus 34:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Feast at the Table by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a deep and personal commitment to Jesus. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who despite experiencing supernatural encounte |
|
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is |
|
God's Jealousy for His People by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes God's deep jealousy for His people, urging them to seek the truth that leads to true freedom and deliverance. He explains that while deliverance from sin |
|
A Man of God Pt. 1 - Leonard Ravenhill by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Leonard Ravenhill shares his personal experience of coming to Jesus at a young age. He attributes his conversion not to a deep understanding of sin or a conviction |
|
Bridal Love by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes the profound nature of love that Jesus desires from us, likening it to the exclusive love between a bride and her bridegroom. This love must take precede |
|
Ascribe the Victory to God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of ascribing victory to God, using the example of the Syrians who recognized the supernatural power behind their defeat at the hands of the |
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Anointing by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon tells the powerful story of a man named Dumas who, despite lacking formal education and training, felt called by God to preach after a profound encounter with the Lord. |