What Is Covetousness According to the Bible?
What Is Covetousness According to the Bible? Covetousness is an intense desire for what belongs to others, prohibited by the Tenth Commandment and described by Paul as idolatry.
Key verse: Exodus 20:17 (KJV)
Covetousness is an intense desire for what belongs to others, prohibited by the Tenth Commandment and described by Paul as idolatry.
Covetousness is an intense desire for what belongs to others, prohibited by the Tenth Commandment and described by Paul as idolatry.
"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 Tenth Commandment explicitly forbids coveting your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or anything that belongs to them (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness goes beyond simple desire—it is an all-consuming craving for what God has given to someone else. Paul equates covetousness with idolatry (Colossians 3:5), because it places material desire above God. 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). The rich young ruler's inability to part with wealth illustrates how covetousness can prevent someone from following Christ. The remedy is contentment and generosity.
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."
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy and Envy?
The Bible identifies jealousy and envy as destructive sins that rot the bones and urges believers to find contentment in God's provision.
What Does the Bible Say About Contentment?
The Bible teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain, and believers can learn to be content in all circumstances through Christ's strength.
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
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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 Is Covetousness According to the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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