Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or avarice, is a profound desire for the possessions or wealth of others. It is a sin that is frequently condemned in the Bible and is considered a defining trait of the wicked. The Bible provides numerous warnings against covetousness, illustrating its destructive nature and its opposition to a life of righteousness and contentment.Biblical Definition and Context The term "covetousness" is derived from the Hebrew word "חָמַד" (chamad) and the Greek word "πλεονεξία" (pleonexia), both of which convey the idea of an insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others. Covetousness is not merely a desire for material possessions but an intense craving that leads to idolatry, as it places material wealth above God. Old Testament References The Ten Commandments explicitly prohibit covetousness: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the importance of respecting the property and relationships of others, highlighting covetousness as a root of many other sins. In the wisdom literature, covetousness is portrayed as a path to ruin. Proverbs 28:16 states, "A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days" . Here, the pursuit of dishonest gain is linked to oppression and poor leadership, contrasting with the longevity promised to those who reject such greed. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address covetousness as a significant moral failing. Jesus warns against it in Luke 12:15: "Then He said to them, '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 futility of equating life’s value with material wealth. The Apostle Paul frequently admonishes believers to avoid covetousness. In Ephesians 5:5, he writes, "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—that is, an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" . Paul equates greed with idolatry, indicating that it is incompatible with the Christian life and the kingdom of God. Covetousness as a Mark of the Wicked Throughout Scripture, covetousness is consistently associated with the wicked. In Psalm 10:3, the psalmist declares, "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD" . This verse illustrates how covetousness leads to a rejection of God and a celebration of greed. The prophet Micah condemns the covetousness of Israel’s leaders, saying, "They covet fields and seize them; they take houses and deprive others of them. They oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance" (Micah 2:2). This behavior exemplifies the social injustice and moral decay that result from unchecked greed. Practical Implications for Believers Believers are called to live in contrast to the covetousness of the wicked. 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'" . Contentment, rooted in trust in God’s provision, is presented as the antidote to covetousness. In summary, covetousness is a pervasive sin that is condemned throughout the Bible as a characteristic of the wicked. It leads to idolatry, social injustice, and a life devoid of true contentment. Believers are urged to guard against this sin and to cultivate a heart of contentment and trust in God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Law, Even in Correcting and Punishing, Aims at the Good of Men ... The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly 1 Cor. vi. 15 Ephesians v. 5, 6 Preface --The Author's Object --The Utility of Written ... Hopkinsians. A Young Man's Best Counsellor Ananias and Sapphira. Victory Over the World through Faith A Description of Heart-Purity Resources What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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