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Definition and Meaning:
The term "covet" originates from the Hebrew word "חָמַד" (chamad) and the Greek word "ἐπιθυμέω" (epithymeo), both of which convey the idea of an intense desire or longing for something that belongs to another. In the biblical context, coveting is often associated with a sinful desire that leads to actions contrary to God's commandments.

Biblical References:
Coveting is explicitly addressed in the Ten Commandments, where it is prohibited as a sinful desire.Exodus 20:17 states, "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.

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the concept of coveting by addressing the heart's desires. InLuke 12:15 , He warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Here, coveting is linked to greed, emphasizing the internal attitude rather than just external actions.

Theological Significance:
Coveting is considered a root sin that can lead to other transgressions. It reflects a lack of contentment and trust in God's provision. The Apostle Paul, inRomans 7:7 , acknowledges the role of the law in revealing sin, stating, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"

Paul further elaborates on the dangers of coveting in1 Timothy 6:9-10 , where he writes, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."

Moral and Ethical Implications:
Coveting is not merely a private matter of the heart but has social and ethical implications. It can lead to actions that harm others, such as theft, adultery, and deceit. The prohibition against coveting serves as a safeguard for community harmony and personal integrity.

The Bible encourages believers to cultivate contentment and gratitude as antidotes to coveting.Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This verse underscores the importance of relying on God's presence and provision rather than succumbing to the desires for more.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to examine their hearts and motives regularly, seeking to align their desires with God's will. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and accountability within the Christian community are vital practices in overcoming covetous tendencies. By focusing on spiritual riches and eternal values, Christians can resist the temptation to covet and instead pursue a life marked by generosity and selflessness.1938. epithumetes -- one who desires
... Word Origin from epithumeo Definition one who desires NASB Word Usage crave* (1).
one whocovets. From epithumeo; a craver. see GREEK epithumeo....

General Commandments.
... For he thatcovets his neighbour's wife, or his man-servant, or his maid-servant,
is already in his mind an adulterer and a thief; and if he does not repent...

But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for...
... And yet I might venture to affirm that He does, if man alsocovets the kingdom of
heaven, if mancovets a sure salvation, if man alsocovets a second new birth...

St. James ii. 10
... Instance, is as bad a Man; as great a Sinner; as guilty an Offender; as he that
transgresseth in every Instance possible: that he whocovets his Neighbour's...

The Dying Saviour Our Example.
... with the death of the Saviour as it was with His life; let him who seeks only happiness
and joy shun likeness to Him; let him alone seek it whocovets what is...

Whether Pride Should be Reckoned a Capital vice?
... Reply to Objection 2: Pride is not the same as vainglory, but is the cause thereof:
for pridecovets excellence inordinately: while vainglorycovets the...

Epistle xx. To Mauricius Augustus.
... name? Would indeed that one by himself he were, if he could be without
any lessening of others,"he thatcovets to be universal....

The Price of Power.
... Law of Exchange. Every man needs power. Every earnest mancovets power.... One
characteristic is this: itcovets praise. It feeds and fattens on commendation....

The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing
... nature is to possess, always to possess. Itcovets "things" with a deep and
fierce passion. The pronouns "my" and "mine" look innocent...

The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us!
... He asks, hecovets, he pleads in an impassionate way for the help of all God's saints,
He knew that in the spiritual realm as elsewhere, in union there is...

The Man after God's Own Heart
... He may wish to be a man of business, or a man of science, and indeed he
may be both. But hecovets a nobler name than these. He...

Covets (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceCovets (2 Occurrences). Psalms 34:12 Who is someone who
desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? (See RSV)....

Cow (32 Occurrences)

Covetousnesses (1 Occurrence)

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... itself. Hecovets the rich presents brought by Naaman, runs after him, and
by a clever story secures a rich present from the general....

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