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    Desire

    ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia)

    Strong desire or longing, used for both righteous yearning and sinful lust.

    Greek
    Strong's G1939
    Pronunciation: eh-pee-thoo-MEE-ah
    Quick Answer

    The Greek word epithumia means a strong desire or longing, used in the New Testament for both godly yearning and sinful craving depending on context.

    "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Galatians 5:16

    “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
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    1 John 2:16

    “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
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    Luke 22:15

    “And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1939 — Desire (ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia) appears.

    Open Strong's G1939

    The Dual Nature of Epithumia

    Epithumia is a morally neutral word in itself — it simply means a strong desire or longing. Its moral character depends entirely on its object. When Jesus said 'With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you,' He used epithumia positively. But when Paul warns against the lusts of the flesh, the same word describes sinful craving that leads away from God.

    Desire and the Flesh

    In Paul's letters, epithumia frequently describes the desires of the sinful nature that war against the Spirit. These are not just sexual temptations but include greed, envy, selfish ambition, and any craving that places self above God. The battle between Spirit and flesh is a central theme of the Christian life.

    Redirecting Desire Toward God

    Scripture does not call believers to eliminate desire but to redirect it. The Psalms overflow with longing for God: 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.' Sanctified desire becomes worship — a passionate pursuit of the One who alone can satisfy the human heart.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is epithumia always negative in the Bible?

    No. While epithumia is often translated as 'lust' in negative contexts, Jesus Himself used it positively to express His longing to share the Passover with His disciples (Luke 22:15). Context determines its moral meaning.

    What is the difference between godly desire and lust?

    Godly desire is directed toward God and His purposes, while lust (sinful epithumia) is directed toward self-gratification apart from God's will. The object and motive distinguish the two.

    What is the Greek word for "Desire" in the Bible?

    ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia), pronounced "eh-pee-thoo-MEE-ah." It means strong desire or longing, used for both righteous yearning and sinful lust. Its Strong's number is G1939. It is the word behind "Desire" in the New Testament, for example in Galatians 5:16.

    What does "Desire" mean in the Bible?

    Strong desire or longing, used for both righteous yearning and sinful lust. The underlying Greek word is ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia) ("eh-pee-thoo-MEE-ah"), Strong's G1939. The Greek word epithumia means a strong desire or longing, used in the New Testament for both godly yearning and sinful craving depending on context.

    Related Words

    Flesh (Basar)
    Sin (Hamartia)
    Walk (Peripateō)
    Spirit

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    Word Meaning

    Desire (ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia))

    Strong desire or longing, used for both righteous yearning and sinful lust.

    Strong's

    Strong's G1939 — Desire

    ἐπιθυμία (Epithumia) • Strong desire or longing, used for both righteous yearning and sinful lust.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)

    Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Water in a Dream (KJV)

    Cleansing, the Spirit, and the Word of God.

    Word Meaning

    Self-Control (ἐγκράτεια (egkrateia))

    Mastery over one's desires and impulses — inner strength to govern oneself.

    Strong's

    Strong's G1515 — Peace

    εἰρήνη (eirēnē) • Wholeness, harmony, and tranquility — the inner calm that comes from God.

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