Definition and Meaning:
The term "coveted" refers to an intense desire to possess something that belongs to another. In the biblical context, it often implies a sinful longing for what is not rightfully one's own, leading to actions that are contrary to God's commandments.

Biblical References:
The concept of coveting is prominently addressed in the Ten Commandments, where it is explicitly forbidden. Exodus 20:17 states, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This commandment highlights the breadth of coveting, extending beyond material possessions to include relationships and status.

In Deuteronomy 5:21 , the command is reiterated with similar language, emphasizing the importance of contentment and respect for others' property and relationships.

Theological Significance:
Coveting is considered a root sin that can lead to other transgressions. It is an internal sin, originating in the heart and mind, which can manifest in actions such as theft, adultery, and deceit. The Apostle Paul discusses the nature of coveting in Romans 7:7 , saying, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"

Paul's reflection indicates that the law serves to reveal the sinfulness of coveting, making individuals aware of their need for God's grace and redemption.

Examples in Scripture:
A notable example of coveting leading to sin is found in the account of King Ahab and Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21. Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard led to false accusations and murder, orchestrated by Queen Jezebel, to obtain the desired property. This narrative illustrates the destructive power of coveting and its potential to lead to grave injustices.

Another example is found in the account of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. David's coveting of Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, led to adultery and ultimately to the murder of Uriah. This account underscores the severe consequences of unchecked covetous desires.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
Coveting is fundamentally a matter of the heart, reflecting a lack of trust in God's provision and a desire to fulfill one's own will over God's. It challenges believers to cultivate contentment and gratitude, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than the accumulation of possessions or status.

The New Testament further addresses coveting in the context of Christian living. In Colossians 3:5 , Paul instructs believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Here, coveting is equated with idolatry, as it places one's desires above God's rightful place in one's life.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to guard their hearts against covetousness by fostering a spirit of contentment and reliance on God's provision. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This assurance encourages Christians to trust in God's faithfulness and sufficiency.

In summary, coveting is a significant biblical theme that addresses the inner desires of the heart, urging believers to seek contentment in God and to respect the rights and possessions of others.1937. epithumeo -- desire, lust after
... Word Origin from epi and thumos Definition desire, lust after NASB Word Usage covet
(2), coveted (1), craved (1), desire (1), desired (2), desires (1), gladly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1937.htm - 8k2530. chamad -- to desire, take pleasure in
... root Definition to desire, take pleasure in NASB Word Usage attracted (1), covet
(6), coveted (1), delight (1), desirable (2), desire (1), desired (2), desires ...
/hebrew/2530.htm - 6k

Felicity is a Thing Coveted of All
... THE SECOND CENTURY 100 Felicity is a thing coveted of all. Felicity is
a thing coveted of all. The whole world is taken with the ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/100 felicity is a thing.htm

At that Time, Ahab, King of Samaria, Coveted the vineyard of ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter XLIV. At that time,
Ahab, king of Samaria, coveted the vineyard of Naboth? ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xliv at that time.htm

Whether the First Man's Pride Consisted in his Coveting God's ...
... Objection 2: Further, it would seem that man coveted God's likeness in order that
he might obtain knowledge of good and evil: for this was the serpent's ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the first mans pride.htm

Acts xx. 32
... in mind of the hope to come; "to give you an inheritance," he says, "among all them
which are sanctified." Then exhortation again: "I have coveted no man's ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlv acts xx 32.htm

He.
... 41. "Behold, I have coveted Thy commandments: O quicken Thou me in Thy
righteousness" (ver.40). Behold, I have coveted to love Thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/he.htm

Gimel.
... him, wherein love is enjoined either solely or principally; declareth that he desireth
to have a love for love itself, saying, "My soul hath coveted to have a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/gimel.htm

Whether Only the Sin of Pride and Envy Can Exist in an Angel?
... But another's good could not be deemed a hindrance to the good coveted by the wicked
angel, except inasmuch as he coveted a singular excellence, which would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether only the sin of.htm

Whether Pride was the First Man's First Sin?
... good. Now he would not have coveted it inordinately, by desiring it according
to his measure as established by the Divine rule. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether pride was the first.htm

Tenth Commandment
... They were not satisfied with all that God had showered upon them, but coveted the
wisdom of gods which Satan deceitfully told them might be obtained by eating ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Five Kings in a Cave
... I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver,
and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/five kings in a cave.htm

Coveted (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Coveted (3 Occurrences). Acts 20:33 I coveted no one's
silver, or gold, or clothing. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/coveted.htm - 7k

Covet (14 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Covet (14 Occurrences). Acts 20:33 I coveted no one's
silver, or gold, or clothing. (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/covet.htm - 12k

Mantle (35 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 13:4, RV). It is the word denoting the "goodly Babylonish garment"
which Achan coveted (Joshua 7:21). (2.) Hebrews me'il ...
/m/mantle.htm - 21k

Naboth (18 Occurrences)
... he possessed. It was a vineyard, and lay "hard by the palace of Ahab"
(1 Kings 21:1, 2), who greatly coveted it. Naboth, however ...
/n/naboth.htm - 16k

Underneath (19 Occurrences)
... 21 When I saw among the spoil a goodly Shinar mantle, and two hundred shekels of
silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and ...
/u/underneath.htm - 12k

One's (59 Occurrences)
... loosened. (Root in WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV). Acts 20:33 I coveted no
one's silver, or gold, or clothing. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/one's.htm - 22k

Wedge (3 Occurrences)
... 7:21 When I saw among the spoil a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels
of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and ...
/w/wedge.htm - 10k

Isaac (127 Occurrences)
... his mother's death was the poignant sorrow of years; so patient and gentle that
peace with his neighbours was dearer than even such a coveted possession as a ...
/i/isaac.htm - 60k

Erred (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through ...
/e/erred.htm - 10k

Babylonish (1 Occurrence)
... I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver,
and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and ...
/b/babylonish.htm - 8k

Who was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Saul of Tarsus before he became the apostle Paul? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Ahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Coveted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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