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.
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.
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.
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.
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