King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:15 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:15 in the King James Version says “(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destro...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.”

Deuteronomy 6:15 · KJV

Context

13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

14

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

15

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

16

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

17

Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

Read Deuteronomy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The warning 'the LORD thy God is a jealous God' reveals divine intolerance of rivals. God's jealousy isn't petty possessiveness but righteous zeal for His honor and His people's exclusive devotion. The threat 'lest the anger of the LORD...be kindled against thee, and destroy thee' demonstrates that covenant violation brings severe judgment. The phrase 'from off the face of the earth' indicates total destruction—exile, conquest, annihilation. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine that God's holiness demands justice against sin. Only Christ's substitutionary atonement satisfies divine wrath, securing believers from destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's jealous anger manifested repeatedly in Israel's history: plague after Baal-peor apostasy (Numbers 25:1-9), defeat at Ai after Achan's sin (Joshua 7), Assyrian exile of northern Israel (722 BC) for persistent idolatry (2 Kings 17:7-23), Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and Judah's exile (586 BC) for covenant violation (2 Kings 24-25). These historical judgments validated God's warnings and demonstrated that covenant disobedience brings destruction. Yet God preserved a remnant, maintaining His redemptive purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's jealousy as righteous zeal rather than petty possessiveness affect your view of exclusive worship?
  2. What does the threat of destruction teach about sin's seriousness and the necessity of Christ's atonement to shield believers from divine wrath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֣י1 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֥ל2 of 16

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

קַנָּ֛א3 of 16

“is a jealous”

H7067

jealous

יְהוָ֤ה4 of 16

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 16

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּקִרְבֶּ֑ךָ6 of 16

“among”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

פֶּן7 of 16
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יֶֽ֠חֱרֶה8 of 16

“be kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַף9 of 16

“you lest the anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֤ה10 of 16

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 16

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בָּ֔ךְ12 of 16
H0
וְהִשְׁמִ֣ידְךָ֔13 of 16

“against thee and destroy”

H8045

to desolate

מֵעַ֖ל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י15 of 16

“thee from off the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃16 of 16

“of the earth”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 6:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 4:24Exodus 20:5Deuteronomy 11:17Deuteronomy 7:4Psalms 90:7Deuteronomy 5:9

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