Qannow (קַנּוֹא) is the adjectival form expressing intense jealousy or zeal — used almost exclusively of God in the Hebrew Bible. Unlike human jealousy (which is often selfish), divine jealousy is righteous passion for covenant fidelity. God is qannow because He is a husband who will not share His bride with false gods. The word derives from the root qana, meaning to be deeply moved with passion, to be intensely desirous.
Qannow appears in three pivotal contexts: (1) at Sinai, where God reveals His name as 'Jealous' (Exodus 20:5; 34:14); (2) in Joshua's covenant renewal (Joshua 24:19); and (3) in Nahum 1:2. It describes not insecurity but covenant devotion — God refuses to share His glory or His people with idols. This same passion is what drives the atonement: God's jealous love for humanity compelled Christ to the cross.
God's jealousy is inseparable from His holiness and love. A God who does not care when His covenant people run after false gods would not be a God of love — He would be indifferent. The qannow God is the God who loves too much to be casual. Paul channels this in 2 Corinthians 11:2: 'I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy.' The Church shares God's passion for covenant faithfulness.