Definition of Coveting in the Ten Commandments

The tenth commandment, "You shall not covet" (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21), addresses an internal desire rather than an outward action, distinguishing it from other commands in the Decalogue ^[9]. The Hebrew word for "covet" is mit.'a.Vah ^[2]. This commandment prohibits a strong desire for worldly possessions, particularly those belonging to one's neighbor ^{[1, 6]}.

The concept of coveting extends beyond mere desire to an earnest longing to possess something that belongs to another ^[6]. For instance, it includes attempts to unjustly acquire a neighbor's house or land, or to alienate a neighbor's spouse ^[6]. The Easton's Bible Dictionary defines covetousness as "a strong desire after the possession of worldly things" ^[1]. This desire can manifest as avarice, a "cold-hearted worldliness" ^[1].

Jewish tradition, as seen in Abraham Ibn Ezra's commentary, acknowledges the apparent difficulty of this commandment, questioning how one can control internal desires. Ibn Ezra illustrates this with a parable: a sane peasant does not covet a princess because he knows it is an impossibility, unlike an insane person who might desire to fly ^[5]. This suggests that a rational understanding of what is attainable and proper can curb covetous thoughts ^[5].

Christian interpretations often link covetousness to idolatry. Tyndale House's commentary on Exodus 20:17 states that "a greedy person is an idolater" (Colossians 3:5), viewing covetousness as the worship of worldly possessions and the belief that they bring lasting happiness ^[7]. This perspective suggests that coveting breaks one's loyalty to God, who is the ultimate provider ^[7]. John Gill, in his commentary on Romans 7:8, notes that Jewish tradition considered the commandment "thou shalt not covet" to encompass the entire law, implying that transgressing it is akin to transgressing the whole law ^[11].

The New Testament further elaborates on the nature and consequences of covetousness. It is described as originating from the heart (Mark 7:22-23) and engrossing it (Ezekiel 33:31; 2 Peter 2:14) ^[4]. Paul identifies covetousness as idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5) and "the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10) ^[4]. It is characterized by insatiability (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Habakkuk 2:5) and vanity (Psalm 39:6; Ecclesiastes 4:8) ^[4]. The pursuit of covetous desires can lead to various sins, including injustice, oppression (Proverbs 28:20; Micah 2:2), lying (2 Kings 5:22-25), murder (Proverbs 1:18-19; Ezekiel 22:12), and theft (Joshua 7:21) ^[4].

In contrast to covetousness, the Bible promotes contentment, defined as a state of mind where desires are confined to one's present circumstances ^[3]. Contentment is seen as the opposite of envy, avarice, ambition, anxiety, and repining ^[3]. It stems from humility and an understanding of divine providence, God's promises, and one's own unworthiness ^[3].

While coveting worldly things is condemned, there is a concept of "coveting earnestly" spiritual gifts, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:31 ^[8]. Adam Clarke clarifies that to "covet earnestly" in this context means to desire spiritual things intensely, which is considered laudable, unlike desiring earthly things, which is criminal ^[10]. This distinction highlights that the sin lies not in desire itself, but in the object and nature of the desire.

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Covetousness — A strong desire after the possession of worldly things (Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:5; Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10; Matt. 6:20). It assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of cold-hearted worldliness.”
STEPBible TAHOT “Pro.13.4#01=L — Hebrew tagged text (TAHOT): מִתְאַוָּ֣ה [mit.'a.Vah] "[is] coveting"”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Contentment — A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Covetousness — Comes from the heart -- Mr 7:22,23. Engrosses the heart -- Eze 33:31; 2Pe 2:14. Is idolatry -- Eph 5:5; Col 3:5. Is the root of all evil -- 1Ti 6:10. Is never satisfied -- Ec 5:10; Hab 2:5. Is vanity -- Ps 39:6; Ec 4:8. Is inconsistent In saints. -- Eph 5:3; Heb 13:5. Specially in ministers. -- 1Ti 3:3. Leads to Injustice and oppression. -- Pr 28:20; Mic 2:2. Foolish and hurtful lusts. -- 1Ti 6:9. Departure from the faith. -- 1Ti 6:10. Lying. -- 2Ki 5:22-25. Murder. -- Pr 1:18,19; Eze 22:12. Theft. -- Jos 7:21. Poverty. -- Pr 28:22. Misery. -- 1Ti 6:10”
Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Exodus 20:14: THOU SHALT NOT COVET. Many people are amazed at this commandment. They ask, how is it possible for a person not to covet in his heart all beautiful things that appear desirable to him? I will now give you a parable. 276 Which will aid you in understanding the commandment that prohibits coveting. Note, a peasant of sound mind who sees a beautiful princess will not entertain any covetous thoughts about sleeping with her, for he knows that this is an impossibility. This peasant will not think like the insane who desire to sprout wings and fly to the sky, for it i”
Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 20:17: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house - wife, etc. - Covet signifies to desire or long after, in order to enjoy as a property the person or thing coveted. He breaks this command who by any means endeavors to deprive a man of his house or farm by taking them over his head, as it is expressed in some countries; who lusts after his neighbor's wife, and endeavors to ingratiate himself into her affections, and to lessen her husband in her esteem; and who endeavors to possess himself of the servants, cattle, etc., of another in any clandestine or unjustifiable manner”
Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 20:17: 20:17 This final principle circles back to the first, for “a greedy person is an idolater” (Col 3:5). Covetousness is the worship of this world, the belief that possessions, especially those my neighbor possesses, will give me lasting happiness. To believe this is to break one’s covenant of absolute loyalty to God, who alone supplies our needs. See also Rom 7:7.”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:31: covet earnestly--Greek, "emulously desire." Not in the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to every man severally as He will" (Co1 12:1); but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest gifts. BEZA explains, "Hold in the highest estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view (Co1 14:1) between "follow after charity--zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (Co1 12:11, Co1 12:18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes t”
Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 5:21: 5:21 covet: This commandment differs from the others because it pertains to a desire rather than to an act. An evil desire is no less offensive to God than an evil deed (see Matt 5:27-28).”
1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:31: But covet earnestly - To covet signifies to desire earnestly. This disposition towards heavenly things is highly laudable; towards earthly things, is deeply criminal. A man may possess the best of all these gifts, and yet be deficient in what is essentially necessary to his salvation, for he may be without that love or charity which the apostle here calls the more excellent way, and which he proceeds in the next chapter to describe. Some think that this verse should be read affirmatively, Ye earnestly contend about the best gifts; but I show unto you a more ”
Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 7:8: But sin taking occasion by the commandment,.... By "the commandment" is meant, either the whole moral law, or that particular commandment, "thou shalt not covet", Exo 20:17, which, the Jews say, comprehends all; "God, (say they (f),) caused them (the Israelites) to hear the ten words, which he concluded with this word, "thou shalt not covet"; , "for all of them depend on that": and to intimate, that whoever keeps this commandment, it is as if he kept the whole law, and whoever transgresses this, it is all one as if he transgressed the whole law;'' and no doubt but ”

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