Thou Shalt Not Covet
The tenth commandment addresses the heart, forbidding envious desire for what belongs to others and calling for contentment and gratitude in all circumstances.
The tenth commandment addresses the heart, forbidding envious desire for what belongs to others and calling for contentment and gratitude in all circumstances.
"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)
"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 — Read in Context
What Does the 10th Commandment Mean?
The tenth commandment is unique because it addresses not an outward action but an inward attitude. Coveting (Hebrew: chamad, meaning to desire or take pleasure in) is the root sin that leads to violations of all the other commandments. David's coveting of Bathsheba led to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). Achan's coveting of war spoils led to theft and brought judgment on Israel (Joshua 7). Paul identified this commandment as the one that revealed his own sinfulness: 'I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet' (Romans 7:7). Coveting is essentially a failure of trust in God's provision and a rejection of gratitude for what He has already given. The antidote is contentment, as Paul learned: 'I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content' (Philippians 4:11).
Historical Context
The tenth commandment was revolutionary in ancient law. No other legal code in the ancient Near East attempted to legislate internal desires—Hammurabi's Code, Egyptian law, and Hittite treaties all dealt exclusively with outward actions. By addressing the heart, God declared that external compliance was insufficient; He desired transformation from within. In a tribal society where wealth was visible (flocks, land, servants), the temptation to covet a neighbor's prosperity was constant. The commandment's detailed list—house, wife, servants, ox, donkey, 'anything'—covered every category of ancient wealth, ensuring no form of coveting could claim exemption.
Original Language
'Chamad' means to desire, covet, or take delight in—with the implication of wanting to possess. It's not mere admiration but acquisitive desire. In Deuteronomy 5:21, a second verb 'hit'avveh' (to crave, lust after) is added, intensifying the prohibition. The word was used for Eve desiring the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6)—coveting was the first sin.
Common Misconceptions
Myth
All desire is sinful—you shouldn't want nice things.
Truth
The commandment forbids coveting what specifically belongs to your neighbor—envious, acquisitive desire for another's possessions, relationships, or status. Healthy ambition, gratitude for blessings, and enjoying what God provides are not sinful. The sin is in wanting what God has given to someone else.
Myth
Coveting is a minor, 'thought-only' sin that doesn't matter much.
Truth
James 1:15 traces the progression: desire conceives sin, and sin brings death. Coveting led to humanity's first sin (Genesis 3:6), David's adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11), and Achan's theft that cost lives (Joshua 7). Internal sin produces devastating external consequences.
Applying This Commandment Today
In a consumer-driven culture designed to make us want more, the tenth commandment is a radical call to contentment. Social media constantly exposes us to curated lives that fuel comparison and envy. Practicing this commandment means cultivating gratitude, celebrating others' blessings, and trusting that God has given us exactly what we need.
Related Scripture References
Philippians 4:11-12
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound."Read in context
Hebrews 13:5
"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."Read in context
Romans 7:7
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."Read in context
1 Timothy 6:6-8
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What does covet mean in the Bible?
To covet means to have an intense, envious desire for something that belongs to someone else. It goes beyond simple admiration to an ungodly craving that can lead to sinful actions like theft, adultery, or deception.
Why is coveting considered a sin?
Coveting is sinful because it reveals a heart of discontentment with God's provision, leads to other sins (James 1:15), and prioritizes material desires over trust in God. Paul identified it as the root sin that awakened his awareness of sinfulness (Romans 7:7).
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