Is Jealousy A Sin?

The ten commandments say "do not covet." Which would say to me that coveting is a sin. A synonym for coveting is jealousy...

Yet, the Bible, which says God is perfect, also says he is Jealous.

So is it, or isn't it, a sin?

If God gets Jealous, it is either not a sin, or he is sinful.
But if it's not a sin to be Jealous of others, then why do the ten commandments command his followers not to covet?

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Asked by SabrinaMBowen at 7:29 PM on Apr. 7, 2012 in Religious Debate

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The way I was raised it is a sin. You should be happy for thy neighbor not jealous. Jealousy breeds hatred.

Answer by PMSMom10 at 7:33 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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Jealousy breeds hatred.

Which in this context makes it an especially morbid thought.

Answer by NotPanicking at 7:34 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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Yes, jealously is the same thing as coveting and I agree with kathy that is breed hatred.

Answer by AF4life at 7:35 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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jealousy is hateful

Answer by smiley745 at 7:35 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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Jealousy breeds hatred.

We see how the god of the bible acts when jealous... Jealously is not healthy for humans especialy a god. It is not fair for humans to suffer the wrath of an insecure god.

Answer by skinnyslokita at 7:46 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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Jealousy is toxic.....

Answer by older at 7:46 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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Good question....

Answer by Sekirei at 7:49 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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Jealous and covet are not completely interchangeable even in English. In Hebrew these were two even more different words. Jealous means more like intolerant of shared affection. Like you may be jealous of a husband's mistress, which would not be a sin. Covet means more like lust, as in you should not lust after your neighbor's husband.

Answer by Mom2Just1Kiddo at 7:53 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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What does it say in the commandments not to covet?
Someone else's spouse or goods.
God will not share worship with anyone else. How can He be jealous of what He gave to you spouse or goods?

Answer by Dardenella at 8:59 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
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It says "anything that is thy neighbors." I don't believe it meant your physical neighbors, because frankly that wouldn't make sense. It has to mean others in general... So since the commandment is not to covet ANYTHING, that would include other the worship of other Gods...

Comment by SabrinaMBowen (original poster) at 9:07 PM on Apr. 7, 2012
Credits: 122985 Level 40 Religious Debate Major