For jealousy enrages a husbandJealousy, in biblical terms, often refers to the intense emotional response to perceived threats to a valued relationship. In the context of marriage, it reflects the deep bond and covenant between husband and wife. The Bible frequently warns against adultery, highlighting the destructive power of jealousy. In ancient Israel, marriage was a sacred covenant, and any breach, such as infidelity, was met with severe consequences. This phrase underscores the natural and intense reaction of a husband who feels his marriage covenant has been violated. The concept of jealousy is also seen in God's relationship with Israel, where God is described as a "jealous God" (
Exodus 20:5), emphasizing His desire for exclusive devotion.
and he will show no mercy
The lack of mercy here reflects the severity of the emotional and social breach caused by infidelity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, honor and reputation were paramount, and a husband's response to adultery was often harsh to restore his honor. The absence of mercy indicates the depth of betrayal felt. This mirrors the biblical principle of justice, where sin has consequences. The Old Testament law prescribed severe penalties for adultery (Leviticus 20:10), reflecting the seriousness with which it was regarded. This phrase also serves as a warning about the irreversible consequences of certain actions.
in the day of vengeance
The "day of vengeance" refers to the time when the wronged husband seeks retribution. In biblical times, vengeance was often seen as a form of justice, where the wronged party had the right to seek recompense. This concept is echoed in the broader biblical narrative, where God promises a day of judgment and vengeance against sin and injustice (Isaiah 61:2). The phrase serves as a reminder of the inevitable consequences of sin and the importance of living righteously. It also points to the ultimate justice of God, who will one day right all wrongs. In the New Testament, vengeance is left to God (Romans 12:19), highlighting the shift from personal retribution to divine justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
HusbandIn this context, the husband represents a person who has been wronged by infidelity. His reaction is driven by jealousy, a powerful and often destructive emotion.
2.
Day of VengeanceThis phrase refers to the time when the wronged husband seeks retribution for the betrayal he has suffered. It highlights the intensity of his emotional response.
Teaching Points
The Destructive Power of JealousyJealousy can lead to irrational and harmful actions. It is crucial to recognize and address feelings of jealousy before they escalate into destructive behavior.
The Importance of Fidelity in MarriageFaithfulness is foundational to a healthy marriage. Adultery not only breaks trust but also incites intense emotional responses that can lead to severe consequences.
Seeking God’s Wisdom in RelationshipsProverbs encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding in all areas of life, including relationships. Turning to God for guidance can help prevent situations that lead to jealousy and vengeance.
The Role of Forgiveness and ReconciliationWhile the verse highlights the natural human response to betrayal, Christians are called to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation, reflecting Christ’s love and mercy.
Guarding Against TemptationBeing vigilant against situations that could lead to infidelity is essential. This includes setting boundaries and maintaining open communication with one’s spouse.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:34?
2.How does Proverbs 6:34 warn against the dangers of jealousy in relationships?
3.What actions can we take to guard against jealousy as described here?
4.How does Proverbs 6:34 connect with the commandment against coveting in Exodus 20:17?
5.Why is understanding the consequences of jealousy important for Christian living?
6.How can we apply the lessons of Proverbs 6:34 in our daily interactions?
7.How does Proverbs 6:34 address the concept of jealousy in relationships?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 6:34?
9.How does Proverbs 6:34 reflect the broader themes of wisdom literature?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 6?
11.What is a spiritual spouse?
12.What does the Bible say about Christian romance?
13.Why did Cain fear after killing Abel?
14.Why does Proverbs 6:20–35 focus so intensely on adultery and lust but offer little instruction on other pressing moral or societal issues?What Does Proverbs 6:34 Mean
For jealousy enrages a husband• “Jealousy” here speaks of a man’s fierce, protective zeal for his marriage covenant. Scripture treats marriage as a sacred, exclusive bond (Genesis 2:24;Malachi 2:14).
• When that bond is violated by adultery, the husband’s emotional response is not mild irritation but “rage.”Proverbs 27:4 echoes this: “Wrath is fierce and anger is flood, but who can withstand jealousy?”
• This warning follows Solomon’s earlier cautions against adultery inProverbs 6:27-33. The point is clear: the consequences of sexual sin reach far beyond private guilt; they ignite a firestorm of personal wrath.
• God Himself is described as “a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14) when His covenant is betrayed. In a lesser, human reflection, a wronged husband mirrors that righteous jealousy.
and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance• The “day of vengeance” pictures the moment the offended husband confronts the adulterer. Mercy is absent; he feels fully justified in seeking retribution. CompareDeuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” says the LORD. Unlike God’s perfect justice, human vengeance is often disproportionate and destructive.
•Proverbs 6:35 reinforces the thought: “He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse your bribe, however great it is.” Once stirred, his wrath is uncompromising.
• New Testament teaching calls believers to avoid provoking such situations and to leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19;Hebrews 10:30). The proverb therefore serves both as a moral warning and a practical deterrent: avoid adultery because you cannot control the fallout.
•Isaiah 34:8 andNahum 1:2 remind us that vengeance belongs ultimately to the Lord. If even flawed human husbands avenge covenant betrayal, how much more will God judge sin? This heightens the urgency to walk in purity and honor marriage (Hebrews 13:4).
summaryProverbs 6:34 underscores the explosive power of marital jealousy and the relentless drive for payback it sparks. Adultery is never a private matter; it unleashes righteous indignation that refuses appeasement. By spotlighting the furious, merciless response of a wronged husband, the verse warns us to cherish marital faithfulness and avoid the catastrophic consequences of betrayal.
(34)
For jealousy is the rage of a man.--That is jealousy is furious, and cannot be appeased by bribes.
Verse 34. -
For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. The first hemistich is adduced as a reason for what has preceded, while the concluding hemistich and the following and last verses are a deduction strengthening what has been stated before, and also showing that the punishment will be inevitable. The general
consensus of commentators and texts is to connect the two hemistiches of this verse. Thus the LXX.,
Μεστὸς γὰρ ζήλου θυμὸς ἀνδρὸς αὐτῆς οὐφεισεται ἐν ἡμέρα κρίσεως, "For the wrath of her husband filled with jealousy shall not spare in the day of judgment;" the Vulgate,
Quia zelus et furor viri non parcet in die vindictae, "For the jealousy and rage of a man shall not spare in the day of vengeance;" the Syriac,
Namquia furor mariti plenus est zelotypia non parcet in die retributionis, "For because rage of a husband is full of jealousy he shall not spare in the day of retribution." So the Arabic, and the Tigarina Versio, and among the commentators Durandus. Dathe, Doderlein, Holden. But the Hebrew simply makes the statement,
ki-kimah khamath-gaver, quia zelus excandescentia viri, i.e., as in the Authorized Version, "for jealousy is the rage of a man,"
ki, equivalent to the Greek
γὰρ, "for" and
kinah is the subject of the sentence. The Hebrew
kinah is "jealousy" as in
Proverbs 27:4, "Who is able to stand before envy?" or, as margin, "jealousy." The ordinary copulative verb "is" is best understood as connecting the subject and the predicate; "the rage of a man," Hebrew
kamath-gaver, as above,
i.e. "the glow of a man's anger" (Delitzsch), or "a man's fierce anger" (Zockler). Jealousy awakens and inflames the wrath and anger of a man or husband to its highest pitch. It evokes the strongest feelings for revenge.
Man; Hebrew,
gaver, equivalent to
ish, "a man," in opposition to "a wife" - "a
husband," as here. The word is chiefly found in poetry. Its derivation, from
gavar, "to be strong," serves to bring out the idea also of the intensity or force of the jealousy - it burns or rages with all the might of the man. The latter part of the verse in the Hebrew is simply, "and he will not spare (
v'lo-yakh'mol) in the day of vengeance." The Authorized Version "therefore" serves to bring out the deduction, though it does net occur in the original.
He will not spare;
i.e. the injured husband will not show any clemency or mercy to the adulterer, the man who has wronged him so deeply.
In the day of vengeance; Hebrew,
b'yom nakam. The expression may refer to the time when the adulterer is brought before the judges, but more probably to every occasion on which the husband can exercise his vengeance. So Gejerus. For the expression, cf.
Isaiah 34:8, "The day of the Lord's vengeance;"
Job 20:28, "The day of his wrath;" and
Proverbs 11:4, "The day of wrath." Jealousy is implacable (see
Song of Solomon 8:6, "Jealousy is cruel as the grave").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionjealousyקִנְאָ֥ה(qin·’āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7068:Ardor, zeal, jealousyenrages a husband,חֲמַת־(ḥă·maṯ-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2534:Heat, anger, poisonand he will show noוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nomercyיַ֝חְמ֗וֹל(yaḥ·mō·wl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2550:To commiserate, to sparein the dayבְּי֣וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof vengeance.נָקָֽם׃(nā·qām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5359:Vengeance
Links
Proverbs 6:34 NIVProverbs 6:34 NLTProverbs 6:34 ESVProverbs 6:34 NASBProverbs 6:34 KJV
Proverbs 6:34 BibleApps.comProverbs 6:34 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 6:34 Chinese BibleProverbs 6:34 French BibleProverbs 6:34 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury (Prov. Pro Pr) 
