What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking?

Answer

Both envy and jealousy are listed in the Bible as sins to avoid, along with greed, slander, and anger (2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20-21; Mark 7:21-23). Although similar and often experienced together, envy and jealousy are not exactly synonymous.

In some contexts, envy and jealousy are interchangeable terms because both relate to covetousness. The same word translated as “envious” in the NASB in Matthew 20:15 is translated as “jealous” in the NLT. When we desire something that belongs to someone else, we can be described as either “envious” or “jealous.” For example, saying “I envy my neighbor’s new fence” is the same as saying “I am jealous of my neighbor’s new fence.”

The difference between envy and jealousy is subtle. Envy always has an outward focus: we desire an item, person, or attribute possessed by someone else, and we feel discontent or resentful about not having it. Jealousy is often related to the protection of one’s own possessions or relationships, especially romantic relationships. As stated in Proverbs 6:34, “For jealousy is the rage of a man: Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance” (Proverbs 6:34). You can envy someone else for his girlfriend, but someone flirting with your girlfriend makes you jealous, not envious. In fact, the word “jealous” can also mean “zealous vigilance” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2015).

First Kings 21:1–16 tells the story of King Ahab and his coveting of his neighbor Naboth’s property. Whether we label Ahab’s sin as envy or jealousy, the outcome was the same: Naboth was murdered, and Ahab was held accountable (verses 17–19).

The tenth commandment addresses envy and jealousy.

Uphold the commandment by prohibiting covetousness “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”, (Exodus 20:17). Unlike envy or jealousy, 1 Timothy 6:6 teaches that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Envy or jealousy hinders contentment because we cannot be truly content when we focus on what we lack.

The Bible distinguishes between envy and jealousy, indicating that jealousy can sometimes have a positive aspect. Envy is consistently portrayed negatively. The form of jealousy described as “zealous vigilance” is the feeling of unhappiness or anger that arises when something rightfully ours is under threat. This is the jealousy mentioned by the bride in Song of Solomon 8:6: “Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” It is the jealousy Paul expressed in 2 Corinthians 11:2: “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” Paul observed the Corinthian believers drifting in their devotion to Christ, and, like a caring husband guarding his wife’s affections, Paul zealously protected the hearts of his spiritual children. The Bible also depicts God as having a loving jealousy over His children (Psalm 78:58;Zechariah 8:2).

Envy and jealousy, when considered synonymous, are sinful. Psalm 73:1–3 warns us about the perils of envying the wicked. Acts 7:9 reveals jealousy as the underlying cause of Jacob’s sons mistreating their brother Joseph. When we crave what God has not granted us, our hearts become hardened towards Him. Envy or jealousy can distort our perception of reality and lead us to believe tHe lied, as Eve did, that God is holding out on us (Genesis 3). Envy, when left unchecked, can lead to walking away from God to fulfill our desires in our own way. Unchecked jealousy can lead to bitterness towards those whom God has called us to love (John 13:34;1 Peter 1:22;Hebrews 12:15). Both envy and jealousy pose dangers to our well-being and our productivity for God’s kingdom (John 15:1-8).