Old Testament
Deuteronomy 6:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
because the LORD your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. If you do, his anger will burn against you, and he will wipe you off the face of the earth.
Compare translations
(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.
What Deuteronomy 6:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a powerful reminder about the nature of God. He is described as a jealous God, which means He desires our full attention and loyalty. When we allow distractions or other priorities to take His place, it can lead to serious consequences. God’s anger is not arbitrary; it reflects His deep love for us and His desire for a genuine relationship. He wants us to thrive and live fully, but turning away from Him can lead to our downfall. This verse serves as a warning to stay committed and focused on what truly matters. It’s about recognizing the importance of our choices and how they affect our lives. God’s presence among us is a gift, and we should honor it by keeping Him at the center of our lives. Remember, His jealousy is rooted in love, urging us to seek Him wholeheartedly and avoid paths that lead us away from His goodness and grace. Our relationship with Him is vital for our well-being and fulfillment in life, so let’s cherish it above all else.
How to apply Deuteronomy 6:15 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on what takes priority in your life. Are there distractions that pull you away from your relationship with God? Make a conscious effort to prioritize your spiritual life, ensuring that God remains at the center of your decisions and actions. Seek to deepen your connection with Him daily, recognizing His love and guidance in your life. This commitment will lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 6:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 6:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 6:15 mean?
Deuteronomy 6:15 emphasizes that God is a jealous God who desires our full loyalty and attention. It warns that neglecting this relationship can lead to serious consequences, reflecting God's deep love and desire for a genuine connection with us.
What is the meaning of 'jealous God' in Deuteronomy 6:15?
The term 'jealous God' in Deuteronomy 6:15 indicates that God wants our complete devotion and is protective of our relationship with Him. This jealousy stems from His love, as He desires us to prioritize Him above all else.
How does Deuteronomy 6:15 apply to my life?
To apply Deuteronomy 6:15, evaluate what distracts you from your relationship with God. Make a conscious effort to prioritize your spiritual life and keep God at the center of your decisions, which can lead to a more fulfilling life.
What are the consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:15?
The consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:15 include God's anger and the potential for being removed from the earth. This serves as a serious reminder of the importance of loyalty to God and the impact of our choices on our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.