What Is Covetousness According to the Bible — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 20:17, sits inside Exodus 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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