Last updated: 2026-05-01
Is Being Jealous a Sin?
Quick Answer
Yes, being jealous is considered sin in Christianity.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated:
Yes, being jealous is considered sin in Christianity. Exodus 20:17 — "You shall not covet your neighbors house, wife, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This is a sin matter in Christianity with clear guidance for believers.
What Christianity Teaches About Being Jealous
Christianity considers Being Jealous to be a sin — a subject of guidance in the biblical tradition.
Wondering what other faiths teach?
Christian Denominations: How They Differ on Being Jealous
Catholic Church
Envy (invidia) is a capital sin in Catholic teaching — one of the seven deadly sins. It is defined as sorrow at anothers good fortune. The Catechism teaches that envy can lead to grave sins including hate and murder.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2538-2540
Protestant Churches
Protestant Christianity universally condemns envy as sinful. The Tenth Commandment explicitly forbids coveting. Envy is seen as a heart attitude that leads to other sins.
Holy Bible (Protestant canon)
Eastern Orthodox
Eastern Orthodoxy classifies envy as one of the eight evil thoughts (logismoi) that must be overcome through ascetic practice. Envy is considered a passion that darkens the soul.
Evagrius Ponticus, Orthodox ascetic tradition
The fact that you're reading this is a sign.
Understanding what scripture says about sin is the first step toward understanding grace. The ESV Study Bible provides 20,000+ notes, maps, and theological insights from leading scholars — the depth needed for questions that matter.
Biblical References
- Exodus 20:17 — "You shall not covet your neighbors house, wife, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
- Galatians 5:19-21 — Envy is listed among the works of the flesh
- James 3:14-16 — "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast."
- Proverbs 14:30 — "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| You shall not covet your neighbors house, wife, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. | Exodus 20:17 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| Envy is listed among the works of the flesh | Galatians 5:19-21 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast. | James 3:14-16 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. | Proverbs 14:30 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
You Know the Truth. What You Do Next Matters Forever.
Knowing what scripture says is the beginning — applying it is where transformation happens. The NIV Life Application Bible connects every verse to real-life situations, helping you move from understanding to action.
Get the Life Application Bible — Apply Scripture to Your Life →Historical and Cultural Context
All 3 major faith traditions examined here — Christianity, Islam, Judaism — consider Being Jealous sinful, each arriving at this position through independent scriptural and theological analysis. This kind of cross-traditional consensus on a moral question is notable and suggests that Being Jealous touches on a principle shared across the Abrahamic tradition.
From the Christianity perspective, this question is primarily addressed through 3 key biblical passages: Exodus 20:17, Galatians 5:19-21, and James 3:14-16. These texts have been studied and debated by scholars across centuries, with interpretations shaped by denominational traditions, historical context, and the evolution of moral philosophy within each faith community.
In the broader historical context, debates around Being Jealous have evolved as societies have modernized. What was once addressed primarily through local religious authority has become a question examined in light of globalized communication, shifting cultural norms, and the individual's relationship to institutional religion. In Christianity, Being Jealous is classified as sin, which carries specific implications for how believers are counselled and how the topic is treated in religious education and community life. Contemporary scholars in Christianity continue to engage with this question, balancing fidelity to biblical sources with the lived realities of modern believers.
Related Questions
Related Topics
Don't Let This Moment Pass — These Books Show the Way Back
IsItASin.org provides informational summaries of religious teachings from multiple faith traditions. This is not religious counsel, spiritual direction, or a substitute for guidance from a qualified religious leader in your community. Scriptural interpretations vary by denomination and individual congregation. If you are experiencing moral distress or spiritual crisis, we encourage you to speak with a trusted faith leader, counselor, or chaplain.