Examples of covetousness in the Bible

      Covetousness, or an intense desire for what belongs to another, is a recurring theme in the Bible. It’s more than just wanting something—it’s a longing that leads to discontentment, dishonesty, and even destruction. Scripture warns us repeatedly against it, calling us instead to contentment and trust in God. Let’s explore some powerful biblical examples of covetousness and the consequences that followed.

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1–6)

      The very first sin committed in the Bible involved covetousness. God had commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But when the serpent deceived Eve, she saw that the tree was "pleasant to the eyes" and "desired to make one wise" (Genesis 3:6). She and Adam both ate the fruit, coveting what God had forbidden—divine knowledge and power.

Result: Their disobedience brought sin and death into the world. They were banished from Eden, and humanity was separated from God.

2. Achan’s Greed (Joshua 7:1–26)

      After the miraculous fall of Jericho, God commanded that all the spoils be devoted to Him. But Achan secretly took a beautiful robe, silver, and gold, hiding them in his tent. He later confessed, “I saw... I coveted them and took them” (Joshua 7:21).

Result: His sin brought defeat to Israel in their next battle and caused the deaths of soldiers. Eventually, Achan and his entire household were executed.

3. King David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)

      King David, while walking on his rooftop, saw Bathsheba bathing. She was the wife of Uriah, one of David’s loyal soldiers. David desired her, committed adultery, and later arranged Uriah’s death to cover up the resulting pregnancy.

Result: God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. Though David repented, the sword never departed from his house, and the child born to Bathsheba died (2 Samuel 12:10–14).

4. King Ahab and Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

      Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard, which was close to the palace. When Naboth refused to sell it because it was a family inheritance, Ahab became sullen. His wife Jezebel plotted Naboth’s death through false accusations.

Result: God sent Elijah to declare judgment on Ahab and Jezebel. Dogs would lick Ahab’s blood and eat Jezebel’s flesh—a prophecy that was later fulfilled (1 Kings 21:19, 23).

5. Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14–16; John 12:4–6)

      Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, had a covetous heart. He often stole from the money bag (John 12:6). Eventually, his desire for money led him to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

Result: Filled with remorse, Judas tried to return the money and eventually hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

6. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21)

      In a parable, Jesus told of a rich man who accumulated great wealth but had no regard for God. He said to himself, “Take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said, “You fool! This night your soul will be required of you” (Luke 12:20).

Lesson: Covetousness leads us to focus on material things and forget eternal matters.

7. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)

      This couple sold a piece of property and pretended to give all the proceeds to the apostles while secretly keeping part of it. Their desire for recognition and money led them to lie to the Holy Spirit.

Result: God struck them both dead as a warning to the early church.

      These biblical stories teach us that covetousness corrupts the heart and leads to destruction. Whether it’s a forbidden fruit, stolen riches, or someone else’s spouse, the desire for what is not ours dishonors God. As believers, we are called to contentment:

   “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.”

– Hebrews 13:5

      Covetousness robs us of peace and intimacy with God. But when we learn to trust Him, we find true satisfaction in His provision.