Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that Hashem is a 'jealous God'?
A: When the Torah describes Hashem as a 'jealous God,' it means that He demands exclusive devotion and does not tolerate idolatry. Rashi explains that this 'jealousy' refers to Hashem's intolerance of sharing His honor with false gods. It emphasizes the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, where He expects complete loyalty.
Q: Why does the verse say 'for thou shalt worship no other god'?
A: This commandment reinforces the prohibition against idolatry, which is one of the most serious sins in Judaism. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that rejecting idolatry is fundamental to Jewish belief. The verse reminds us that serving other gods violates our covenant with Hashem, who alone is the true Creator and Master of the world.
Q: What can we learn from the name 'Hashem is Jealous'?
A: The name 'Jealous' (קַנָּא) teaches us about the intensity of Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people. The Midrash compares it to a husband who is devoted to his wife and expects faithfulness in return. Similarly, Hashem, who redeemed us from Egypt and gave us the Torah, demands our exclusive commitment to Him.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While literal idol worship is rare today, the principle still applies: we must avoid anything that takes the place of Hashem in our lives. The Talmud (Chullin 13b) teaches that even excessive devotion to wealth, power, or other distractions can become a form of modern idolatry. This verse reminds us to keep Hashem as our sole focus.
Q: Why is this commandment repeated in the Torah?
A: This prohibition appears multiple times (including in the Ten Commandments) because of its importance. The Sages explain that idolatry undermines the foundation of Torah. By repeating it, the Torah emphasizes that loyalty to Hashem is non-negotiable and central to Jewish identity.
The Nature of Divine Jealousy (קַנָּא)
The verse (Exodus 34:14) describes Hashem as "אֵל קַנָּא" (a jealous God), emphasizing His intolerance of idolatry. Rashi explains that this "jealousy" refers to Hashem's demand for exclusive worship—He does not tolerate the service of other gods alongside Him. This is not human jealousy, but a metaphysical principle: Hashem, as the sole Creator and Sustainer, rightfully expects undivided devotion from His creations.
The Prohibition Against Idolatry
The phrase "לֹא תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לְאֵל אַחֵר" (you shall not bow to another god) is a foundational commandment. Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) derives from this that any act of worship directed toward a false deity—even if one acknowledges Hashem as the true God—violates this prohibition. The Sforno adds that idolatry is uniquely severe because it denies the fundamental truth of Divine unity.
The Divine Name and Attribute of Jealousy
The verse states "כִּי יְהוָה קַנָּא שְׁמוֹ" (for the Lord, whose name is Jealous). The Mechilta explains that this name reflects Hashem's attribute of justice (Middat HaDin), which responds decisively to idolatry. However, the Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that this attribute is balanced by mercy—Hashem is "slow to anger" even toward idolaters, giving them opportunities to repent.
Kabbalistic Insight
The Zohar (Shemot 134b) interprets "jealousy" as the cosmic consequence of disrupting the unity of the Sefirot. Idolatry "steals" Divine energy (Shefa) from its intended channels, provoking a "jealous" reaction—the withdrawal of blessing and protection. Thus, the prohibition safeguards the proper flow of holiness in the world.
Practical Implications