Have you ever wanted something so badly that it disturbed your peace? Maybe it was someone else’s success, possessions, or life situation. The Bible speaks directly to this inner struggle using one strong word: covet.
Coveting is not just about wanting something nice. It goes deeper into the heart, where desire can slowly turn into dissatisfaction, jealousy, and sin. The covet meaning in the Bible helps believers understand why God warns against unchecked desire and how contentment protects the soul.
By learning what it means to covet, Christians can grow in gratitude, peace, and trust in God’s provision.
Biblical Meaning of Covet
In the Bible, to covet means:
- To strongly desire something that belongs to someone else
- To crave what God has not given
- To allow desire to control the heart
The Hebrew word often used for covet means to desire eagerly, while the Greek word means to set one’s heart upon.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house” (Exodus 20:17).
Coveting is listed in the Ten Commandments because it begins in the heart and leads to other sins.
Covet in the Old Testament
A Matter of the Heart
Unlike actions such as stealing or lying, coveting is internal. God addresses it because He sees the heart.
“Do not let your heart envy sinners” (Proverbs 23:17).
Coveting often leads to:
- Envy
- Greed
- Discontent
- Broken relationships
Examples of Coveting
One clear example is Achan in Joshua 7, who coveted forbidden treasures. His hidden desire led to disobedience and suffering.
This shows that coveting, though unseen, carries serious spiritual consequences.
Covet in the New Testament
The New Testament reinforces the warning against coveting.
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed” (Luke 12:15).
Jesus teaches that life is not measured by possessions. Coveting distracts believers from eternal priorities.
The Apostle Paul also writes:
“I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet’” (Romans 7:7).
Spiritual Meaning of Coveting
Spiritually, coveting represents:
- Lack of trust in God
- Comparison with others
- Inner restlessness
- Desire replacing faith
Coveting shifts focus from God’s provision to what others have.
Covet vs Godly Desire
Not all desire is wrong. The Bible encourages godly desires such as wisdom, righteousness, and spiritual growth.
Coveting becomes sin when:
- Desire turns into obsession
- Gratitude is replaced by resentment
- Trust in God fades
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content” (Hebrews 13:5).
Coveting in Daily Life
Today, coveting may appear as:
- Comparing lives on social media
- Wanting someone else’s lifestyle
- Envying success or relationships
- Never feeling satisfied
These patterns quietly drain joy and peace.
Coveting in Dreams or Spiritual Reflection
Spiritually, dreams or repeated thoughts about coveting may reveal:
- A call to contentment
- Inner dissatisfaction
- A need to trust God’s timing
- Hidden envy needing healing
Prayer helps bring clarity and freedom.
Practical Lessons from Coveting
The covet meaning in the Bible teaches believers to:
- Guard their hearts
- Practice gratitude
- Trust God’s provision
- Find joy in what God has given
Contentment is a powerful form of worship.
Conclusion
The covet meaning in the Bible reveals God’s loving protection over the human heart. Coveting steals peace and weakens faith, but contentment restores joy and trust.
When believers release unhealthy desires and focus on God’s blessings, they experience freedom, gratitude, and spiritual rest.
John Miller is a content author at BibliHub.com, known for creating clear, well-structured, and reader-friendly articles. He focuses on breaking down complex topics into simple, practical explanations that are easy to understand for a global audience. John emphasizes accuracy, research-based information, and logical presentation, making his work reliable and accessible for readers seeking trustworthy knowledge.
