Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or avarice, is a deep-seated desire for possessions or wealth, particularly that which belongs to others. It is a condition of the heart that is frequently addressed in the Bible, highlighting its spiritual implications and the moral dangers it poses.Biblical Definition and Context The term "covetousness" is derived from the Greek word "pleonexia," which signifies an insatiable desire for more. This desire is not limited to material wealth but extends to an excessive longing for anything that belongs to another. The Tenth Commandment explicitly warns against coveting: "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" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the internal nature of covetousness, distinguishing it from outward actions. Covetousness in the Teachings of Jesus Jesus Christ addressed covetousness directly, emphasizing its origin in the heart. In Mark 7:21-23 , He states, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." Here, greed, or covetousness, is listed among the evils that originate from within, highlighting its corrupting influence on the soul. In Luke 12:15 , Jesus further warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This admonition serves as a reminder that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth but in spiritual richness. Apostolic Warnings and Teachings The apostles continued to caution against covetousness in their epistles. The Apostle Paul, in particular, frequently addressed this issue. In Ephesians 5:5 , he writes, "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Paul equates covetousness with idolatry, as it places material desires above God. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , Paul famously declares, "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." This passage highlights the destructive potential of covetousness, leading individuals away from faith and into spiritual ruin. Covetousness and Contentment The antidote to covetousness, as presented in Scripture, is contentment. 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 is portrayed as a virtue that stems from trust in God's provision and presence. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this attitude in Philippians 4:11-12 , where he states, "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." Conclusion Covetousness, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound spiritual issue that originates in the heart. It is a form of idolatry that can lead individuals away from God and into various forms of sin. The biblical response to covetousness is a heart of contentment, rooted in faith and trust in God's eternal promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 7:22,23Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Description of Heart-Purity Protesting Our Innocence? Eating with Unwashed Heart Defiles the Man. The Broken and Contrite Heart On Sin and Its Kinds How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him The Tenth Commandment Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ... A Discourse of Mercifulness Three Degrees of Love I Shall Tell Thee, for I Would that Thou ... 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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