What does you shall not covet mean Meaning and Definition
What does you shall not covet mean
Pronunciation
/ˈdaʊz.juː ʃəl nɒt ˈkʊvət mēn/
Part of Speech
Expression
Definition
A phrase from the eighth commandment in the Bible, Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21, which is often interpreted as a warning against envy, lust, or discontent for things that are not yours, and a reminder to focus on your own possessions and relationships.
Etymology
The phrase is derived from the Old Testament and is based on the concept of coveting, which is the desire for something that belongs to someone else. The phrase has been translated and interpreted differently throughout history, but its core message has remained the same.
Usage Notes
The phrase can be used in everyday conversations to remind people to appreciate what they have and not focus on what others have. It can also be used in religious contexts to emphasize the importance of avoiding covetousness and envy.
Cultural References
The phrase has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, it is mentioned in the book “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom, and it is referenced in the song “What Does the Lord Require” by Mark Schultz.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Thou shalt not covet
- Don’t covet what thou hast not
Related Words or Phrases
- Envy
- Lust
- Desire
Collocations
- what is owed to thee
- a gift from above
Frequency of Use
The phrase is relatively infrequently used in everyday conversation, but it is often referenced in religious and cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- what does you shall not covey mean
- what dose you shall not covet mean