Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

COVET

An intense, wish-filled desire that may manifest itself in various actions, good or bad, depending upon the object of the affection and the intentions of the one in whom the desire burns. Such desires are proscribed when they take forms such as envy and jealousy, nurtured in the absence of faith in God’s provision (cf. Phil. 4:5-13; ʾAbot 4:1) and neglect of his commandments (Prov. 6:20-25).

The concept of resisting covetousness anchors the Decalogue (Exod. 20:17; Deut. 5:21) and arguably precipitates all of the other sins proscribed (Philo Leg. 79-99). The subjects of coveting can be good (Prov. 10:24; including God: Ps. 68:16[MT 17]; Jesus: Luke 22:15) or evil (Ps. 10:3; Matt. 5:28). Likewise, the objects of coveting can be good (Ps. 132:13; Matt. 13:17; including God: Isa. 26:8-9), neutral (Deut. 12:20), or evil (Prov. 24:1; Rom. 1:24). Many biblical characters, including Eve (Gen. 3:6) and Paul (Rom. 7:7-8), are affected by this intense desire.

“Covet” and “covetousness” are translations of synonyms that derive from Heb. ḥāmaḏ (Exod. 20:17) and ʾāwwâ (Deut. 5:21), both rendered by Gk. epithymeín. Translators have also used “covet” and “covetousness” for different Hebrew words that refer to emotions or actions that are distinctly not covetousness (e.g., greed, envy, jealousy).

Bibliography. W. L. Moran, “The Conclusion of the Decalogue (Ex 20,17 = Dt 5,21),” CBQ 29 (1967): 543-54; J. A. Ziesler, “The Role of the Tenth Commandment in Romans 7,,” JSNT 33 (1988): 41-56.

Mark D. Nanos

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

COVET

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)