Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions, is a theme that emerges prominently in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Pharisees. The Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions, are frequently depicted in the Gospels as being entangled in the sin of covetousness, which stands in stark contrast to the spiritual values they professed to uphold.In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus directly addresses the issue of covetousness among the Pharisees. In Luke 16:14-15 , it is written: "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. So He said to them, 'You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. What is prized among men is detestable before God.'" This passage highlights the Pharisees' love for money and their tendency to seek justification in the eyes of men rather than God. Their covetous nature is exposed as a fundamental flaw that undermines their spiritual integrity. The Pharisees' covetousness is further illustrated in their interactions with Jesus regarding the Law. In Matthew 23:25 , Jesus pronounces a woe upon them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." Here, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they focus on outward appearances while harboring greed and self-indulgence within. This internal covetousness is a barrier to true righteousness and spiritual purity. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 also serves as a poignant illustration of the dangers of covetousness, implicitly critiquing the Pharisees' attitudes. The rich man, who lives in luxury while ignoring the plight of the poor man Lazarus, embodies the self-centeredness and lack of compassion that covetousness breeds. Although the Pharisees are not explicitly mentioned in this parable, the context suggests a critique of their values and priorities. The Pharisees' covetousness is not limited to material wealth but extends to a desire for power and influence. In John 11:47-48 , the chief priests and Pharisees express concern over Jesus' growing influence, saying, "If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Their fear of losing status and authority reveals a covetous desire to maintain control and prestige, even at the expense of truth and justice. In summary, the New Testament portrays the Pharisees as a group whose covetousness manifests in a love for money, a desire for social status, and a hypocritical adherence to religious practices. This covetousness is consistently condemned by Jesus, who calls for a heart aligned with God's values rather than worldly desires. The Pharisees' example serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of allowing covetousness to overshadow genuine faith and righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 16:14And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Marcionite Interpretation of God and Mammon Refuted the ... The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ... His Life The Gospel of Luke Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover. Tenth Commandment Never a Man Like Him God and Mammon. The Tenth Commandment Whether the New Law Directed Man Sufficiently as Regards Interior ... 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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