### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun epithymētḗs (G1938) is derived from the verb `{{G1937}}` *epithymeō*, which means "to set one's heart upon," "to long for," "to desire," or "to crave." As a noun, epithymētḗs specifically denotes "a craver" or "one who desires intensely." While the root verb `{{G1937}}` can carry a neutral or even positive sense (e.g., to desire good things), the noun epithymētḗs consistently appears in contexts where the desire is negative, implying a covetous, lustful, or illicit craving. Its semantic range is thus confined to describing an individual characterized by such intense, often sinful, longing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term epithymētḗs (G1938) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians:
* **[[1 Corinthians 10:6]]**: "Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not be epithymētḗs of evil things, as they also craved."
In this passage, Paul is drawing a stark warning for the Corinthian believers by recounting the failures of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. He details their grumbling, idolatry, sexual immorality, and testing of Christ, all of which led to divine judgment. The specific use of epithymētḗs in [[1 Corinthians 10:6]] is directly linked to "evil things" (κακῶν), clarifying its negative force in this context. The Israelites' "craving" (ἐπεθύμησαν, a past tense form of `{{G1937}}` *epithymeō*) for various forbidden or ungodly things ultimately led them astray. Paul employs epithymētḗs to describe those who are characterized by such a craving for evil, presenting their historical example as a cautionary tale for the New Covenant community. It signifies not merely a fleeting desire but a disposition or characteristic of one who persistently longs for what is forbidden or harmful in God's eyes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G1937}}` *epithymeō* (verb):** The direct verbal root from which epithymētḗs is formed. While the verb can describe positive desires (e.g., [[Luke 22:15]], "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover"), the derived noun epithymētḗs consistently highlights the negative, illicit aspect of desire. This distinction underscores that the noun describes the *character* of one whose desires are misdirected.
* **`{{G1939}}` *epithymia* (noun):** This is the more common noun form related to desire, often translated as "desire," "craving," or "lust" in the New Testament. It frequently carries a negative connotation, referring to sinful desires or passions (e.g., [[Romans 7:7]], [[Galatians 5:16]], [[James 1:14]]). epithymētḗs describes the *person* who is driven by or possesses such epithymia.
* **`{{H2530}}` *chamad* (to covet):** In the Old Testament, this Hebrew verb is central to the Tenth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:17]], [[Deuteronomy 5:21]]), prohibiting covetousness. This concept of desiring what illicitly belongs to another aligns closely with the negative sense of epithymētḗs, which points to a craving for "evil things."
* **`{{H5315}}` *nephesh* (soul/desire):** The Hebrew word *nephesh* can sometimes express intense craving or desire, particularly for physical needs, which can become sinful if unchecked (e.g., [[Numbers 11:4]], where the "rabble" had a strong craving for meat). This illustrates an Old Testament parallel to the intense, often misdirected, desire implied by epithymētḗs.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet potent, occurrence of epithymētḗs in [[1 Corinthians 10:6]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a profound warning regarding the perilous nature of misdirected desires within the life of a believer.
* **The Danger of Corrupted Desire:** The term underscores a fundamental aspect of human fallenness: desires, which are an integral part of human creation, can become corrupted by sin, leading individuals away from God's will. The Israelites' "craving" was not merely for physical sustenance but for things that defied God's provision, leading to idolatry and rebellion.
* **Idolatry of the Heart:** To be an epithymētḗs of evil things is to allow one's illicit desires to usurp the rightful place of God in the heart. This constitutes a form of idolatry, where the object of desire, or the desire itself, becomes an ultimate authority, supplanting divine wisdom and command.
* **A Timeless Exemplar:** Paul's use of Israel's history as an "example" (τύποι) highlights that spiritual privilege (being under the cloud, passing through the sea, partaking of spiritual food and drink) does not exempt one from the danger of succumbing to sinful cravings. The warning applies universally to all who claim to follow Christ, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and spiritual discipline.
* **Call to Self-Control and Godly Desire:** Implicit in the warning is a call to cultivate self-control and to align one's desires with God's righteous standards. Believers are exhorted to transform their desires, seeking after the things of the Spirit rather than allowing themselves to be characterized by cravings for what is evil or forbidden.
### Summary
epithymētḗs (G1938) is a Greek noun meaning "a craver," derived from `{{G1937}}` *epithymeō*. While its root verb can denote various forms of desire, the noun epithymētḗs is used exclusively in a negative sense in the New Testament. Its sole occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 10:6]] serves as a critical theological warning, describing those who "crave evil things." By referencing the Israelites' failures in the wilderness, Paul uses epithymētḗs to caution believers against allowing their desires to become fixated on ungodly objects or pursuits. This term profoundly highlights the danger of corrupted desires, their potential to lead to sin and idolatry, and the timeless necessity for believers to exercise spiritual self-control, aligning their longings with the will of God rather than succumbing to the allure of evil.
TRV