Topical Encyclopedia
The term "coveteth" is derived from the verb "covet," which means to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others. In the context of the Bible, coveting is often associated with a sinful longing for something that belongs to another person. This concept is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of such desires.
Biblical References:1.
The Ten Commandments: The prohibition against coveting is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments. In
Exodus 20:17 , it is written: "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." This commandment highlights the comprehensive nature of coveting, extending beyond material possessions to include relationships and status.
2.
Deuteronomy's Reiteration: The command against coveting is reiterated in
Deuteronomy 5:21 : "You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This repetition underscores the importance of contentment and respect for others' property and relationships.
3.
New Testament Teachings: The New Testament also addresses the issue of coveting. In
Romans 7:7 , the Apostle Paul reflects on the law's role in revealing sin: "What then shall we say? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" Here, Paul acknowledges the law's function in making individuals aware of their sinful desires.
4.
Warnings Against Greed: Coveting is closely related to greed, which is condemned in the New Testament. In
Luke 12:15 , Jesus warns: "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This teaching emphasizes the spiritual danger of allowing covetous desires to dominate one's life.
5.
Contentment as a Virtue: The antidote to coveting is contentment, a theme that is prevalent in the teachings of the New Testament. In
Philippians 4:11-12 , Paul writes: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." Contentment is presented as a virtue that enables believers to resist the temptation to covet.
Theological Implications:Coveting is considered a sin because it reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a desire to possess what He has not given. It can lead to other sins, such as theft, adultery, and idolatry, as individuals seek to fulfill their desires outside of God's will. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than material possessions or status.
Practical Application:Believers are called to examine their hearts and motives, seeking to align their desires with God's will. This involves a conscious effort to resist the cultural pressures that promote materialism and to focus on spiritual growth and service to others. By fostering a spirit of contentment and gratitude, Christians can overcome the temptation to covet and live in accordance with God's commandments.
Library
Faith (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, December 5, 1865)
... Woe to him thatcoveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set
his nest on high, and be delivered from the power of evil!...
How a Man Shall have Him in this Work against all Thoughts, and...
... And if thou wilt hear him, hecoveteth no better; for at the last he will thus jangle
ever more and more till he bring thee lower, to the mind of His Passion....
That a Man Should Bidingly Travail in this Work, and Suffer the...
... AND therefore, whosocoveteth to come to cleanness that he lost for sin, and to
win to that well?being where all woe wanteth, him behoveth bidingly to travail...
Of Contemplation
... Right as he sometime that hath noughtcoveteth to have many things; right so he
that seemeth to have many things hath right nought, for that that he hath he...
Gimel.
... But he saith not, "coveteth," only; but, "My soul hath coveted to desire Thy judgments."
For there is no obstacle to possessing the judgments of God, save that...
Psalm LVIII.
... No! is the voice of all men. Or if yet thou confessest not, there draweth near one
thatcoveteth thy property: be pleased to answer what thou wilt have....
The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity.
... The simplecoveteth not gold, defraudeth not his neighbour, longeth not after manifold
dainties, delighteth not in varied apparel, doth not picture to himself...
Psalm LXV.
... Nevertheless, if righteous he is, if another man's goods hecoveteth not, if of
his own that he possesseth he distributeth to the needy, if he giveth good...
Nearest to Christ
... 'The desire of the slothful killeth him; because his hands refused to labour, he
coveteth greedily all the day long.' And with like but infinitely more...
Antichrist.
... Woe to him thatcoveteth an evil covetousness to his house, (to his church,) that
he may set his nest on high: for he could not do the one before he had...
Thesaurus
Coveteth (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Coveteth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 21:26 He
coveteth greedily
all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
...Getting (151 Occurrences)
... no" for "provide neither" (Matthew 10:9); "getteth prudence" for "is prudent," margin
"dealeth prudently" (Proverbs 15:5); "getteth" for "coveteth" (Habakkuk 2...
Withholdeth (7 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 21:26 There is thatcoveteth greedily all the day
long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not. (ASV YLT)....
Covets (2 Occurrences)
... good? (See RSV). Proverbs 21:26 There is thatcoveteth greedily all the day
long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not. (See RSV)....
Coveted (3 Occurrences)
Coveting (3 Occurrences)
Sparing (17 Occurrences)
... understanding. (YLT). Proverbs 21:26 There is thatcoveteth greedily all the
day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not. (See NIV)....
Spareth (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 21:26 Hecoveteth greedily all the day long:
but the righteous giveth and spareth not. (KJV JPS DBY WBS)....
Get (2204 Occurrences)
... no" for "provide neither" (Matthew 10:9); "getteth prudence" for "is prudent," margin
"dealeth prudently" (Proverbs 15:5); "getteth" for "coveteth" (Habakkuk 2...
Covetousness (22 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:9 Woe to him thatcoveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he
may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!...
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