Bible Dictionary
COVET
To covet means to desire earnestly. Scripture uses the word positively for legitimate spiritual desire, but negatively for unlawful desire or an attempt to obtain what belongs to another.
Definition
To covet is to desire earnestly or set the heart and mind upon something. The desire may be legitimate and spiritually commendable, or unlawful and directed toward obtaining what should not be sought or belongs to another.
Biblical Usage
The word is used positively for desiring spiritual gifts. Negatively, it describes unlawful desire, lust, or concupiscence, including the desire condemned by the law and the inward desire associated with sin.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kuv'-et ('awah; zeloo, "to desire earnestly," "to set the heart and mind upon anything"): Used in two senses: good, simply to desire earnestly but legitimately. e.g. the King James Version 1Co 12:31; 14:39; bad, to desire unlawfully, or to secure illegitimately (batsa`; epithumeo, Ro 7:7; 13:9, etc.); hence, called "lust" (Mt 5:28; 1Co 10:6), "concupiscence" (the King James Version Ro 7:8; Col 3:5).</p>