Topical Encyclopedia Coveting, as addressed in the Bible, refers to an intense desire to possess something that belongs to another. This concept is primarily discussed in the context of the Ten Commandments, where it is explicitly prohibited. The term "covet" is derived from the Hebrew word "חָמַד" (chamad), which means to desire or take pleasure in. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent is "ἐπιθυμέω" (epithymeo), which also conveys the idea of longing or desiring.Old Testament References The prohibition against coveting is found in the Decalogue, specifically in Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21. The commandment 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" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the importance of contentment and respect for the property and relationships of others. Coveting is often linked with other sins, such as theft and adultery, as it can lead to actions that violate other commandments. The account of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates the destructive consequences of coveting. Achan coveted and took forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai and his eventual punishment. New Testament References In the New Testament, coveting is addressed as a matter of the heart and is often associated with greed and idolatry. Jesus expands on the concept in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the internal nature of sin. In Matthew 5:28, He states, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" . This teaching highlights that coveting is not merely an external act but an internal disposition. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses coveting in his epistles. In Romans 7:7, he acknowledges the role of the law in revealing sin: "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet'" . Paul also warns against covetousness in Ephesians 5:5, where he equates it with idolatry: "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" . Theological Implications Coveting is fundamentally a matter of the heart, reflecting a lack of trust in God's provision and a desire to find satisfaction outside of His will. It challenges believers to examine their desires and motivations, encouraging a life of contentment and gratitude. The biblical teaching on coveting calls for a transformation of the heart, aligning one's desires with God's purposes and finding fulfillment in Him alone. Practical Applications Believers are encouraged to cultivate contentment and generosity as antidotes to coveting. 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'" . By focusing on God's faithfulness and provision, Christians can resist the temptation to covet and instead live lives marked by thankfulness and trust in God's sovereignty. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Covet.Greek 4124. pleonexia -- advantage, covetousness ... preferred-will, cf. 2307 ); (coveting). 4124 (a feminine noun) points to a of covetousness, defined by the context. Word Origin ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4124.htm - 7k 1939. epithumia -- desire, passionate longing, lust Strong's Hebrew 1942. havvah -- desire, chasm, destruction... From hava' (in the sense of eagerly coveting and rushing upon; by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin -- calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous ... /hebrew/1942.htm - 6k Library Whether the First Man's Pride Consisted in his Coveting God's ... Whether Pride was the First Man's First Sin? Petilianus Said: "It is Written, Thou Shalt not Covet Anything ... Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Distinguished ... Tenth Commandment The Tenth Commandment The Opposite Opinion is Approved by None of the Ancient Doctors of ... The Sermon that the Reverend Father in Christ A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ... Temporal Advantages. Thesaurus Coveting (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Coveting (3 Occurrences). ... For I wouldn't have known coveting, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." (WEB ASV NAS NIV). ... /c/coveting.htm - 7k Ten (234 Occurrences) Commandments (181 Occurrences) Covet (14 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) Occasion (53 Occurrences) Lies (208 Occurrences) Really (100 Occurrences) Produced (39 Occurrences) Covetings (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the lust of the eyes? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Coveting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Coveting (3 Occurrences)Mark 7:22 Romans 7:7 Romans 7:8 Subtopics Related Terms |