### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epithyméō**, represented by `{{G1937}}`, is defined as to set the heart upon or **long for** something, whether rightfully or otherwise. It appears **18 times** across **16 unique verses**, carrying a dual meaning that can signify either a righteous **desire** or a sinful **lust**. This versatility makes it a key term for understanding motivation and intent in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G1937}}` varies significantly depending on the context. It is found in the law's prohibition, "Thou shalt not **covet**" ([[Romans 7:7]]; [[Romans 13:9]]). Jesus uses it to describe a sinful longing, stating that looking on a woman to **lust after** her is a sin of the heart [[Matthew 5:28]]. This negative sense is also seen in the spiritual conflict where "the flesh **lusteth** against the Spirit" [[Galatians 5:17]]. However, the word also describes righteous longings. The prophets and righteous men **desired** to see what the disciples saw [[Matthew 13:17]], and angels **desire** to look into the matters of the gospel [[1 Peter 1:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help define the scope of desire:
* `{{G1939}}` **epithymía**: This is the noun form, meaning a longing, especially for what is forbidden. It is used to describe the "**lust** of the flesh" [[Galatians 5:16]] and "worldly **lusts**" [[Titus 2:12]] that believers are taught to deny.
* `{{G3713}}` **orégomai**: Meaning to stretch oneself or reach out after. It appears alongside `{{G1937}}` when describing a man who **desires** the office of a bishop [[1 Timothy 3:1]], indicating an active aspiration.
* `{{G2206}}` **zēlóō**: This word means to have a warmth of feeling, and can be translated as to **desire to have** or covet earnestly. It is used in tandem with `{{G1937}}` to describe a destructive cycle where people **lust** and then kill and **desire to have** what they cannot obtain [[James 4:2]].
* `{{G2212}}` **zētéō**: Meaning to **seek**. In a time of judgment, men will **seek** death and **desire** to die, but will not be able to [[Revelation 9:6]].
* `{{G2309}}` **thélō**: This word for "to wish" or "be inclined to" appears in contrast to sinful desire, where believers cannot do the things they **would** because the flesh **lusts** against the Spirit [[Galatians 5:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1937}}` is demonstrated in several key areas:
* **The Duality of Desire:** The word itself is neutral and its moral quality is defined by its object. Christ expresses a righteous longing when He says, "With desire I have **desired** to eat this passover with you" [[Luke 22:15]]. In contrast, the Israelites wrongly **lusted** after evil things in the wilderness [[1 Corinthians 10:6]].
* **Desire as the Root of Sin:** Scripture often traces sinful actions back to a wrongly-directed heart. James connects the act of **lusting** directly to killing and warring [[James 4:2]]. Paul describes his own understanding of sin through the law's command not to **covet** [[Romans 7:7]].
* **The Heart's Orientation:** The use of `{{G1937}}` emphasizes that righteousness is not merely about external actions. It is a matter of the heart's inner longings, whether they are set on godly things, like showing diligence in hope [[Hebrews 6:11]], or on forbidden things, like another man's possessions [[Acts 20:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1937}}` is a pivotal word for understanding the biblical concept of desire. It is not a simple term for longing, but one that captures the profound moral and spiritual orientation of the heart. Whether translated as **covet**, **lust**, or **desire**, it reveals that the direction of one's longing is central to the Christian walk, distinguishing between the spiritual battle against the flesh and the righteous pursuit of God.
TRV