• Jasper
    Aid to Bible Understanding

    • at Revelation 21:11 is called a “most precious stone . . . shining crystal-clear,” the ancient stone may have been of greater rarity and value than the comparatively inexpensive modern jasper, and brilliantly translucent rather than opaque. Some scholars have suggested that the Greek term in reality refers to the diamond.

  • Javan
    Aid to Bible Understanding

    • JAVAN

      (Jaʹvan).

      Fourth-listed son of Japheth and the father of Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim (or Rodanim). As post-Flood descendants of Noah, they are included among those populating “the isles of the nations,” which phrase can also refer to the coastlands and not simply to islands surrounded by water. (Gen. 10:2, 4, 5; 1 Chron. 1:5, 7) Historical evidence indicates that the descendants of Javan and his four sons settled in the islands and coastlands of the Mediterranean Sea from Cyprus (Kittim) to perhaps as far W as Spain.—See DODANIM; ELISHAH; KITTIM; TARSHISH No. 1.

      Javan (Heb., Ya·wanʹ) is identified as the progenitor of the ancient Ionians, called by some “the parent tribe of the Greeks.” (Keil-Delitzsch, The Pentateuch, Vol. I, p. 163) The name I·aʹo·nes is used by the poet Homer (of at least the seventh century B.C.E.) as referring to the early Greeks, and, beginning with Sargon II (seventh century B.C.E.), the name Iavanu begins to appear in Assyrian inscriptions. Persian Emperor Darius also mentions them (as Iauna), and the name is to be found in a similar form in ancient Egyptian records referring to the Ionians.

      In course of time the name Ionia came to be restricted to Attica (the region around Athens), the western coast of Asia Minor (corresponding to the coasts of the later provinces of Lydia and Caria), and the neighboring islands of the Aegean Sea. The sea that lies between southern Greece and southern Italy still retains the name “Ionian,” and this name is acknowledged to be of very ancient origin, supporting the view that this form of the name of Javan once applied to the mainland of Greece as well as the later smaller area designated Ionia.

      Following the Genesis account, the descendants of Javan first begin to be mentioned about the latter part of the ninth century B.C.E. by the prophet Joel. The prophet there condemns the Tyrians, Sidonians and Philistines for selling the sons of Judah and Jerusalem in their slave trade with “the sons of the Greeks” (literally, “the sons of Javan”). (Joel 3:4-6) Isaiah, in the eighth century B.C.E., foretells that some of the Jews surviving God’s expression of wrath would travel to many lands, including “Javan,” there proclaiming Jehovah’s glory.—Isa. 66:19.

      Slaves and copper articles were listed in the late seventh or early sixth century B.C.E. as items being supplied by “Javan, Tubal and Meshech [these latter places evidently being located in eastern Asia Minor or to the N thereof]” to the wealthy commercial center of Tyre. (Ezek. 27:13) Verse 19 of the same prophecy again mentions Javan, but the fact that the other places mentioned in the context are in Syria, Palestine and Arabia has led some to view the appearance of the name there to be the result of a scribal error. Rather than reading “and Javan from Uzal,” the Greek Septuagint renders Javan as “wine,” thus reading, “and with wine. From Asel [Uzal] . . . ” (LXX, Thompson-Muses) The Revised Standard Version reads “and wine from Uzal.” Others, however, suggest that Javan may here refer to a Greek colony located in Arabia or that it may perhaps be the name of an Arabian tribe or town.

      In Daniel’s prophecy “Javan” is usually rendered by translators as “Greece,” since the historical fulfillment of Daniel’s writings makes this meaning evident. (Dan. 8:21; 10:20; 11:2) So, likewise, Zechariah’s prophecy (520-518 B.C.E.), foretelling the successful warfare of the ‘sons of Zion’ against Javan (“Greece”).—Zech. 9:13.

  • Jazer
    Aid to Bible Understanding

    • JAZER

      (Jaʹzer) [perhaps, helpful].

      An Amorite city with dependent towns, located E of the Jordan. In the time of Moses, the Israelites took Jazer and the surrounding region. (Num. 21:25, 32) Originally granted to Gad and fortified by that tribe, Jazer was subsequently assigned to the Levites. (Num. 32:1, 3-5, 34, 35; Josh. 13:24, 25; 21:34, 38, 39; 1 Chron. 6:77, 81) It was one of the places mentioned in connection with the route followed by Joab and the chiefs of the military forces when taking the census that David had ordered without having divine authorization. (2 Sam. 24:4, 5) Toward the close of David’s reign certain mighty men of the Hebronites residing at Jazer were assigned administrative duties in Israel’s territory E of the Jordan.—1 Chron. 26:31, 32.

      In the eighth century B.C.E. Jazer was in Moabite hands. It seems that the region was then, if not already earlier, famous for its vine culture. Jazer and other Moabite cities were foretold to suffer future calamity.—Isa. 16:8-10; Jer. 48:32, 33.

      Various possible identifications have been suggested for ancient Jazer, but its precise location remains unknown.

  • Jealous, Jealousy
    Aid to Bible Understanding

    • JEALOUS, JEALOUSY

      [Heb., qin·ʼahʹ, jealousy, zeal, ardor; Gr., zeʹlos, jealousy, zeal].

      “Jealous” is defined as “exacting exclusive devotion,” “intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness; envious, suspicious.” The Hebrew and Greek words can have good or bad connotations and are used in the Bible in both senses.

      JEHOVAH’S JEALOUSY

      Jehovah describes himself as “a God exacting exclusive devotion.” (Ex. 20:5; Deut. 4:24; 5:9; 6:15) He also says: “Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, he is a jealous God.” (Ex. 34:14) Over what and with what kind of jealousy? Not with the envious, selfish jealousy of humans. It is a jealousy, a zeal or ardor for his holy name, concerning which he himself says: “I will show exclusive devotion for my holy name.”—Ezek. 39:25.

      For his name

      When one considers what God’s name stands for, the reason for his “insistence on exclusive devotion” becomes clear. (Ezek. 5:13) His name represents all that is right and righteous. He is holy, clean, upright, loyal in the superlative degree. (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8; 16:5) His sovereignty is necessary to the existence of the universe, and allegiance to his sovereignty and laws is essential to the order and peace of all creation. (Prov. 29:2; 1 Cor. 14:33) His jealousy is therefore a pure, clean jealousy, and is altogether for the benefit of his creatures, for their devotion brings him, the Creator, Provider and Giver of all good things, no profit. (Job 41:11; Ps. 145:16; Rom. 11:35; Jas. 1:17; Rev. 4:11) But in his devotion to righteousness his heart is made glad with loving appreciation when his servants stand firm for righteousness and give exclusive devotion to him.—Prov. 23:15, 16; 27:11.

      For righteousness

      In his love of righteousness and his insistence on exclusive devotion Jehovah is impartial. Moses warned God’s covenant people Israel that if anyone forsook the covenant, “Jehovah’s anger and his ardor [would] smoke against that man, . . . and Jehovah [would] indeed wipe out his name from under the heavens.” (Deut. 29:19-21) God told the apostate, idol-worshiping, immoral city of Jerusalem that he would judge her and give her “the blood of rage and jealousy.” (Ezek. 16:38; 23:25) This occurred when the Babylonians destroyed the city and the temple upon which Jehovah’s name had been placed, but which name they had grossly defamed. Nevertheless, his jealousy did not overshadow or flood out his purposes and his mercy, for Jehovah spared a remnant to return and rebuild the temple.

      For his people

      Because of his love for his people and because they bear his holy name, Jehovah is jealous for them with a fiery zeal. Just as a husband jealously protects his wife as precious to him, so Jehovah says: “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.” (Zech. 2:8) Accordingly, because of the malicious acts of the nations toward his people, God foretold: “I will be jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and with great rage I will be jealous for her,” also, that he would be zealous for his land and would show compassion upon his people.—Zech. 8:2; 1:14; Joel 2:18.

      Those serving God can rely on him to establish righteousness, being confident in his zeal for his name. He illustrated his zeal in his dealings with ancient Israel, and he tells us of the destruction of earthly governments and the establishment of the government of the Prince of Peace with justice and righteousness, saying: “The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.”—Isa. 9:6, 7; Zeph. 3:8, 9.

      Inciting Jehovah to jealousy

      In his insistence on exclusive devotion, Jehovah is not one to be mocked. (Gal. 6:7) Any one of his servants who refuses to give him wholehearted devotion, failing to love him with his whole heart, mind, soul and strength, is trying to serve two masters. Jesus explained that the result of this course would be disastrous, for such a man would love one master and despise the other. (Matt. 6:24) Such a person is “inciting [Jehovah] to jealousy.” (Deut. 32:16; 1 Ki. 14:22) In a vision given to Ezekiel, Jehovah showed him a “symbol of jealousy,” evidently idolatrous, in the gateway to the temple. (Ezek. 8:3, 5) For Judah’s turning away from exclusive devotion to him, Jehovah’s jealousy burned against them.

      The apostle Paul says to Christians: “You cannot be partaking of ‘the table of Jehovah’ and the table of demons. Or ‘are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy’? We are not stronger than he is, are we?” (1 Cor. 10:21, 22; Deut. 32:21) He points out that if a Christian practices sin willingly after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, he can look forward only to judgment and “a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition.”—Heb. 10:26, 27.

      JESUS CHRIST

      The Son of God, being more intimate with his Father than any other of his creatures, and better able to emulate him and reveal him to others, could say: “He that has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9; Matt. 11:27; John 1:18) Consequently his zeal and jealousy for righteousness and his Father’s name exceeded that of all others. (Heb. 1:9; Ps. 45:7) He at all times rendered exclusive devotion to Jehovah. (Matt. 4:10; John 8:29) When on earth, his heart burned with heated zeal, with jealousy because of the defamation of Jehovah’s name that was being brought by money-loving merchants in the temple. (John 2:13-17) Just as he there fulfilled the prophecy at Psalm 69:9, “Sheer zeal for your house has eaten me up,” so his followers can be sure of his zeal for completely establishing everlasting righteousness, justice and respect for Jehovah’s name and sovereignty in fulfillment of the prophecy at Psalm 45:3-6.

      WORSHIPERS OF GOD WITH EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION

      All who have been true worshipers of God have exercised zeal for his service and jealousy for his name. The prophet Elijah, who did powerful works in turning many in Israel back from false worship to the worship of Jehovah, said: “I have been absolutely jealous for Jehovah the God of armies.” (1 Ki. 19:10, 14) Phinehas demonstrated devotion that pleased God, and saved Israel from extermination by his zeal in killing a chieftain of Israel who had contaminated the camp by bringing in filthy phallic Baal worship. This was because, as an Israelite and a priest, Phinehas was “tolerating no rivalry at all” toward Jehovah.—Num. 25:11; compare 2 Kings 10:16.

      The Christian congregation must exercise the same jealous watch, that no unclean things should spring up as a “poisonous root” to cause trouble and defile many. (Heb. 12:15) If anyone corrupt should slip in and try to defile others, the congregation must, ‘exercise earnestness, clearing itself before Jehovah with indignation and zeal.’ They must ‘remove the wicked man from among them.’—1 Cor. 5:4, 5, 13; 2 Cor. 7:11, 12.

      It is good, therefore, for Christians to exercise a “godly jealousy” in behalf of fellow Christians. That is, they should be burning with the desire to do all they can to assist one another to maintain exclusive devotion toward God and obedience to Christ. The apostle Paul likened those who were his spiritual brothers to a virgin engaged to Christ as his prospective bride. He was jealously protecting them so that they could be preserved unblemished for Christ. (2 Cor. 11:2; compare Revelation 19:7, 8.) His zeal for them is demonstrated in many expressions in his letters to the Corinthian congregation and to others. And the jealousy that Christ himself has for his “bride” (Rev. 21:9) is shown in his strong statements to the congregations as recorded in Revelation, chapters one through three.

      Inciting to jealousy in a proper way

      Jehovah showed mercy to the nation of Israel after all except a remnant had rejected the Messiah. The remnant of believing Jews was the beginning of the Christian congregation, now having Jehovah’s favor rather than the rejected Jewish nation. Jehovah demonstrated this change of dealing by signs and portents and powerful works. (Heb. 2:3, 4) He opened the way for Gentiles to come into his favor. But he did not ‘close the door’ on Israel altogether. As the Scriptures point out: “Did they [all Israel] stumble so that they fell completely? Never may that happen! But by their false step there is salvation to people of the nations, to incite them to jealousy.” (Rom. 11:11) This was what Jehovah, centuries beforehand, had said he was going to do, which resulted in the saving of some. (Deut. 32:21; Rom. 10:19) The apostle Paul, who earnestly sought the good of fellow Israelites, followed this principle, saying: “Forasmuch as I am, in reality, an apostle to the nations, I glorify my ministry, if I may by any means incite those who are my own flesh to jealousy and save some from among them.”—Rom. 11:13, 14; 10:1.

      MISDIRECTED ZEAL

      One may be sincerely zealous, or jealous, for a certain cause, and yet be wrong and displeasing to God. That was true of many of the Jews of the first century. They looked for righteousness to come to them through their own works under the Mosaic law. But Paul showed that their zeal was misdirected because of lack of accurate knowledge. Therefore they did not receive the real righteousness that comes from God. They would have to see their error and turn to God through Christ to receive righteousness and freedom from the condemnation of the Law. (Rom. 10:1-10) Saul of Tarsus was one of such, being extremely zealous for Judaism to the point of excess, “persecuting the congregation of God and devastating it.” (Gal. 1:13, 14; Phil. 3:6) He was scrupulously keeping the Law as “one who proved himself blameless.” Yet his jealousy for Judaism was a misdirected one. He was sincere of heart, for which reason Jehovah exercised undeserved kindness through Christ in turning him to the way of true worship.—1 Tim. 1:12, 13.

      JEALOUSY AND ENVY

      A person who shows improper jealousy suspects others without adequate cause or resents the diversion to another of what he unjustifiably claims as his own. An envious person discontentedly desires or covets the good fortune and attainments of others. The context often determines the sense in which the Hebrew words usually translated “jealous” or “jealousy,” but sometimes “envy,” are used in the Bible. The same is true of the Greek word for “jealousy,” but the Greek language also has a separate word, phthoʹnos, for “envy.”

      In the Corinthian congregation of the first century, ambitious men had come in, calling attention to themselves, boasting in men, and were bringing about strife in the congregation. The congregation was split into factions jealously looking to, exalting and following men. Paul pointed out that such jealousy was fleshly, not spiritual. (1 Cor. 3:3; 2 Cor. 12:20) He explained that godly love is not jealous in an improper way, but, rather, is trusting and hopeful, always acting in the interests of others.—1 Cor. 13:4, 5, 7.

      Jealousy of the kind that Paul spoke against in the Corinthian congregation is not righteous. It is not in behalf of exclusive devotion to Jehovah. Rather, it is a form of idolatry, demonic in origin, and it breeds envy and strife. The Bible repeatedly warns against it, showing that it affects the heart itself. Jesus’ half-brother James wrote: “If you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is the earthly, animal, demonic. For where jealousy and contentiousness are, there disorder and every vile thing are.”—Jas. 3:14-16; Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:19-21.

      Jealousy of the wrong kind has a detrimental effect on one’s physical health, for, “a calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.” (Prov. 14:30) This text, as well as James’ words in the foregoing paragraph, indicates that jealousy is a quality, not merely of the mind, but of the heart. It can be more destructive than rage or anger because it may be more deep-rooted, more lasting and persistent and less easily assuaged. Usually reason is thrown to the winds. (Prov. 27:4) Even the jealousy of a man who is righteously enraged toward another who commits adultery with his wife will not accept any sort of excuse or ransom.—Prov. 6:32-35.

      The wrong kind of jealousy can bring a person to a point where he sins against God, as did the ten half brothers of Joseph. (Gen. 37:11; Acts 7:9) It can lead to loss of life for an individual and others involved, as it did in the case of Dathan and Abiram and members of their households. (Ps. 106:16, 17) Worse yet, jealousy prompted unbelieving Jews to commit serious crimes toward the apostles and, in addition, blasphemy and attempted murder.—Acts 13:45, 50; 14:19.

      MARITAL JEALOUSY

      Jealousy of one toward his (or her) mate is good if it is a proper jealousy, a zeal for the mate’s benefit and well-being. But improper jealousy and mistrust without foundation is wrong and lacking love, and can result in ruin to the marriage. (1 Cor. 13:4, 7) Under the Mosaic law, provision was made for cases of jealousy where the husband suspected his wife of secret adultery. If there were not the required two witnesses to prove the accusation so that the human judges could act to apply the death sentence, the procedure prescribed by the Law was that the couple should present themselves before Jehovah’s representative, the priest. This action constituted an appeal to Jehovah, who was aware of all the facts, for His judgment. If adulterous, the woman received, as a direct punishment from Jehovah, the loss of her procreative powers. If the husband’s jealousy was unfounded, then he had to acknowledge her innocence by having sex relations with her so that she could bear a child.—Num. 5:11-31.

      GOD’S SERVANTS WARNED AGAINST RIVALRY

      Rivalry or competition, so common in the present system of things, is not fitting. The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes says: “I myself have seen all the hard work and all the proficiency in work, that it means the rivalry [Heb., qin·ʼathʹ] of one toward another; this also is vanity and a striving after the wind.” (Eccl. 4:4; compare Galatians 5:26.) By being jealous of others’ successes, possessions or accomplishments, the servant of God may develop envy and covetousness, even going so far as being envious of those who are bad but who prosper. The Scriptures warn that this should not be; though the time may seem long that they prosper, they will receive quick judgment at God’s time, as it is written: “Do not show yourself heated up because of the evildoers. Do not be envious of those doing unrighteousness. For like grass they will speedily wither.” (Ps. 37:1, 2) Envy of such ones can lead a person into copying their violent ways, detestable to Jehovah.—Prov. 3:31, 32; 23:17; 24:1, 19; compare Psalm 73:2, 3, 17-19, 21-23.

  • Jebus
    Aid to Bible Understanding

    • JEBUS

      (Jeʹbus) [trodden, or, possibly, threshing floor], Jebusite (Jebʹu·site).

      The location of the ancient city of Jebus was on the site now known as Jerusalem. In the time of Abraham before the year 1900 B.C.E. this place was called Salem (meaning Peace), which is included in the name Jerusalem and may be a contraction of it. (Heb. 7:2) Mention was made of Urusalim (Jerusalem) in the Tell el-Amarna letters found in Egypt. And in the books of Joshua, Judges and First Samuel, where events prior to the conquest of the city by David are mentioned, the site is often called Jerusalem. (Josh. 10:1, 3, 5, 23; 12:10; 15:8, 63; 18:28; Judg. 1:7, 8, 21; 19:10; 1 Sam. 17:54) In only two passages is it referred to as Jebus. (Judg. 19:10, 11; 1 Chron. 11:4, 5) In Joshua 18:28 Yevu·siʹ appears in the Hebrew, the ending i indicating people, the inhabitants of the city.

      It therefore seems evident to most scholars that Jerusalem (or, possibly, Salem) was the city’s original name, and that only when occupied by the Jebusites was it occasionally called Jebus. It is also generally agreed that “Jebus” was not a contraction of Jerusalem but, rather, a contraction of Jebusites, the name of the occupants of the site for a time. After David’s capture of this stronghold of Zion and the