What Does the Bible Say About Covetousness?
What Does the Bible Say About Covetousness? The tenth commandment forbids coveting, and the New Testament identifies covetousness as idolatry and a root of all evil.
Key verse: Exodus 20:17 (KJV)
The tenth commandment forbids coveting, and the New Testament identifies covetousness as idolatry and a root of all evil.
The tenth commandment forbids coveting, and the New Testament identifies covetousness as idolatry and a root of all evil.
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's." — Exodus 20:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Ten Commandments conclude with 'Thou shalt not covet' (Exodus 20:17), making desire itself a moral issue. Covetousness is wanting what belongs to another — their spouse, possessions, success, or status. Jesus warned, 'Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth' (Luke 12:15). He then told the parable of the rich fool who stored up treasures but was not rich toward God. Colossians 3:5 calls covetousness 'idolatry' because it places created things above the Creator. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, 'The love of money is the root of all evil.' Hebrews 13:5 prescribes the cure: 'Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'
Key Scripture References
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Does the Bible Say About Envy?
Envy is consistently condemned as destructive to the soul and contrary to the love God calls believers to practice.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Covetousness?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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