What does 'covet' mean in the Bible?

Coveting, as described in the Bible, is a complex and deeply significant concept that touches upon human desires, ethics, and spirituality. To understand what it means to covet in a biblical sense, we need to delve into the scriptural context, examine the original language, and explore the broader theological implications.

The term "covet" appears prominently in the Ten Commandments, specifically in Exodus 20:17:

"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."

The Hebrew word used here is "חָמַד" (chamad), which means to desire, take pleasure in, or delight in something. However, the commandment's context and usage indicate that this is not a benign or harmless desire. Instead, it is a longing that can lead to unethical actions and spiritual decay.

To covet, in the biblical sense, is to harbor an intense, inappropriate longing for something that belongs to someone else. This desire goes beyond mere admiration or wishing for similar blessings; it involves a deep-seated dissatisfaction with what one has and a yearning to possess what is not rightfully theirs. This kind of desire can lead to various sins, as it often stems from and fosters jealousy, greed, and discontent.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of coveting. In Romans 7:7, Paul writes:

"What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"

Here, Paul acknowledges that the law reveals the nature of sin, and coveting is identified as a fundamental transgression that exposes the sinful nature of humanity. Coveting is not just about the act of taking or stealing; it is about the internal condition of the heart. It reflects a deeper issue of misplaced desires and priorities.

James 4:1-3 further elaborates on the destructive nature of coveting:

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

James highlights that coveting leads to conflict and strife. It disrupts relationships and communities because it is rooted in selfishness and a lack of trust in God's provision. Instead of seeking fulfillment through God, coveting seeks satisfaction through the acquisition of what belongs to others.

Theologically, coveting is a form of idolatry. Colossians 3:5 states:

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry."

Here, greed and coveting are equated with idolatry because they place material possessions and desires above God. When we covet, we essentially declare that God's provision is insufficient and that we need something else to be truly satisfied. This mindset undermines our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Christian literature and teachings have long emphasized the dangers of coveting. Augustine of Hippo, in his work "Confessions," discusses the restless nature of the human heart and how true contentment can only be found in God. He famously wrote, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." This restlessness is often manifested in coveting, as people seek fulfillment in things other than God.

Thomas Aquinas, in his "Summa Theologica," also addresses coveting. He categorizes it under the sin of avarice and explains that it is a disordered desire for temporal goods. Aquinas argues that coveting is contrary to the virtue of charity, which seeks the good of others. Coveting, on the other hand, seeks to possess what belongs to others, thereby harming relationships and social harmony.

To combat coveting, the Bible encourages contentment and gratitude. Hebrews 13:5 advises:

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Contentment is a spiritual discipline that involves recognizing and appreciating God's provision. It is about trusting that God knows what we need and will provide for us according to His will. Philippians 4:11-13 provides a powerful testimony from Paul on this matter:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Paul's contentment is rooted in his relationship with Christ. He recognizes that his strength and satisfaction come from Christ, not from material possessions or circumstances. This perspective is crucial for overcoming coveting, as it shifts the focus from earthly desires to spiritual fulfillment.

In practical terms, cultivating gratitude can help combat coveting. By regularly reflecting on and giving thanks for the blessings we have, we can develop a heart of contentment. Prayer and meditation on God's Word are also essential. Psalm 37:4 encourages us to:

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

When we delight in the Lord, our desires align with His will, and we find true satisfaction in Him. This alignment transforms our desires from coveting what others have to seeking God's kingdom and righteousness.

In summary, to covet in the biblical sense is to harbor an inappropriate and intense desire for something that belongs to someone else. It is a condition of the heart that reflects discontent, selfishness, and a lack of trust in God's provision. Coveting leads to various sins and disrupts relationships and communities. The Bible calls us to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and trust in God, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from Him alone. By aligning our desires with God's will and delighting in Him, we can overcome the temptation to covet and live in harmony with others and with God.