The English language is mysterious, and ever-changing. We use words/phrases for multiple meanings, and it can be so confusing sometimes! Especially when it comes to slang, for example: “Do you mean ‘off the chain’ in a good or bad way? Figurative or literal?” (That was a real conversation, once.) So, it’s no surprise that even the most important words end up getting twisted or confused. My emphasis this time is on “Love” and “Jealousy.”
1 Corinthians 13:4(part C) in some translations says that love “does not envy” and in others it says that love “is not jealous.” Isn’t that the same thing? I have to argue, no. Not according to the way we typically use these words. And, being that there are different ways to use them, I’m going to list their definitions.
Envy - a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc.
Jealous - Feeling resentment against someone because of that persons rivalry, success, advantages, etc.
Envy in a relationship deals with one being discontent, and even comparing other relationships to yours. Jealousy in a relationship deals mainly with the feeling of resentment due to rivalry. I, personally, believe they are both awful to have in a relationship, but one is a natural effect of love; jealousy. If you truly love someone, and another person or thing threatens to steal your loved one’s affections, it is natural to become jealous. The Bible also describes love in this way! Many times throughout the Old Testament, God was provoked to jealousy for his people because of their foreign gods.
When studying the Bible, I tend to lean on multiple translations for help in understanding, along with asking for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to guide me as I learn from His word. In this case, where the word “jealous” was used in 1 Cor. in some translations, the Lord showed me that it is not meant how it may seem here. Because, even God’s love is jealous!
1 John 4:16 says that “God is Love.” Which means, He is the ultimate definition for love, true love.
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