You shall not covet thy neighbor’s goods.

The Tenth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21, prohibits coveting, which is defined as an excessive and unjust desire for possessions that belong to another person. This commandment is distinct in that it concerns the intentions of the heart and serves as a summary of all the precepts of the Law.

Theologically, coveting is significant because it serves as the root of other moral failings, including fraud, robbery, and theft (CCC 2534). It is closely linked to other sins such as violence, lust, avarice, and idolatry. Within this context, envy is identified as a specific form of coveting that seeks to deprive others of their possessions (CCC 2538), while avarice arises from an excessive desire for material wealth (CCC 2533).

This commandment reflects a broader hierarchy of values within the Decalogue, where God is placed as the most important value and material goods are the least. Consequently, the spiritual state of a person is shaped by their priorities and values, as the heart’s attachment is reflected in its treasure (Matthew 6:21). For the Christian, entering the Kingdom of heaven requires a detachment from riches, a principle exemplified by the beatitude regarding those who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).

The Tenth Commandment is part of the Decalogue, which is a gift of God’s holy will and a central element of the covenant between God and His people (CCC 2059-2060). These commandments act as a path of life that liberates humanity from the slavery of sin (Exodus 20:6, CCC 2058). Ultimately, the prohibition against coveting is interpreted and fulfilled through the twofold commandment of love, which requires loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 13:10).