### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, `{{G1939}}`) derives from the verb ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō, `{{G1937}}`), which means "to set one's heart upon," "to long for," or "to desire earnestly." The prefix ἐπί (epi) can intensify the verb's meaning or denote direction, while θυμός (thymos) in this context refers to passion or strong feeling. Thus, epithymía fundamentally signifies a strong impulse, craving, or longing. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing both morally neutral or even positive desires, and, more frequently in the New Testament, negative, sinful cravings. The context is crucial for discerning whether the desire is commendable, natural, or fallen. It can translate as "desire," "longing," "coveting," or "lust," with the latter terms typically reserved for its negative applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While epithymía most often carries a pejorative sense in the New Testament, there are notable instances where it refers to a legitimate or even commendable desire:
* Jesus expresses a strong desire to eat the Passover with His disciples before His suffering: "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" [[Luke 22:15]]. Here, it denotes an intense, yet pure, longing.
* The Apostle Paul uses it to express his earnest longing to see the believers in Rome: "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift" [[Romans 1:11]].
* Paul also articulates a profound desire to depart this life and be with Christ, indicating a spiritual longing for ultimate fellowship: "For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better" [[Philippians 1:23]].
However, the overwhelming majority of epithymía's occurrences in the New Testament describe sinful, fleshly, or worldly cravings. These negative uses are often associated with:
* **The Flesh:** epithymía is frequently linked to the σαρξ (sarx, `{{G4561}}`), or "flesh," representing fallen human nature. Believers are exhorted to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" [[Galatians 5:16]]. Similarly, "abstain from fleshly desires, which wage war against your soul" [[1 Peter 2:11]].
* **The World:** The "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" are explicitly identified as "not from the Father but from the world" [[1 John 2:16]]. This highlights epithymía as a defining characteristic of the fallen κόσμος (kosmos, `{{G2889}}`), the world system opposed to God.
* **Deceit and Corruption:** epithymía is described as "deceitful desires" that corrupt the "old man" [[Ephesians 4:22]]. It leads to "destruction and perdition" for those who desire to be rich [[1 Timothy 6:9]].
* **Origin of Sin:** James powerfully illustrates the progression from desire to sin: "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death" [[James 1:14-15]].
* **Idolatry:** Paul directly equates "covetousness" (πλεονεξία, pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`), which is a form of epithymía, with idolatry, because it places created things above God [[Colossians 3:5]].
* **Past Lifestyle:** Believers are reminded of their former lives "carrying out the desires of the body and the mind" before their regeneration [[Ephesians 2:3]]. They are called to no longer live "for human passions but for the will of God" [[1 Peter 4:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
* ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō, `{{G1937}}`): The verbal form, "to desire, long for," sharing the same positive and negative range. It is used in the context of "coveting" in the Decalogue (e.g., [[Romans 7:7]]).
* πάθος (pathos, `{{G3806}}`): "Passion" or "suffering." Often used in a negative sense to denote degrading or dishonorable passions, as in "dishonorable passions" [[Romans 1:26]] or "evil passion" [[Colossians 3:5]]. epithymía can be seen as a specific manifestation of pathos.
* ἡδονή (hēdonē, `{{G2237}}`): "Pleasure," often implying sensual or self-indulgent pleasure. This word is linked to the cause of conflicts ("from your desires for pleasure that war within your members" [[James 4:1]]) and the lifestyle of unbelievers ("living in malice and envy, hateful, being hated, enslaved to various pleasures and desires" [[Titus 3:3]]). epithymía can be a desire for hēdonē.
* σαρξ (sarx, `{{G4561}}`): "Flesh." As noted, epithymía is frequently attributed to the sarx, representing the sinful human nature in opposition to the Spirit.
* κόσμος (kosmos, `{{G2889}}`): "World." The epithymía of the kosmos is a powerful force that believers are called to resist.
* ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`): "Sin." epithymía is consistently presented as the inner impulse that gives birth to hamartia.
* Old Testament parallels: The Hebrew verb חָמַד (chamad, `{{H2530}}`), "to covet," particularly in the Tenth Commandment, captures the essence of negative epithymía. The noun נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, `{{H5315}}`), "soul," can also express intense longing or desire.
### Theological Significance
Epithymía holds significant theological weight, particularly in Pauline and Johannine theology, as well as in the Epistle of James.
1. **The Root of Sin:** The New Testament presents epithymía not merely as a temptation, but as the internal, often corrupt, inclination that leads to sin. It is the "lure" and "enticement" that, when yielded to, results in overt transgression and ultimately death [[James 1:14-15]]. This highlights the internal battle against sin that every believer faces.
2. **The Conflict of Flesh and Spirit:** Epithymía is a central concept in Paul's teaching on the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. The "desires of the flesh" (epithymía) are diametrically opposed to the desires of the Spirit, creating an ongoing spiritual warfare within the believer [[Galatians 5:16-17]]. Victory over these sinful desires is achieved not by human effort alone, but by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. **The Nature of the Old Man:** Epithymía characterizes the "old man," the unregenerate self that is corrupted by deceitful desires [[Ephesians 4:22]]. Christian conversion involves "putting off" this old self and "putting on" the new self, created in righteousness and holiness. This transformation entails a radical reorientation of one's desires away from the world and towards God.
4. **Idolatry and Worldliness:** By equating covetousness with idolatry [[Colossians 3:5]], Paul underscores that when epithymía is directed towards created things in an inordinate way, it effectively replaces God as the object of ultimate devotion. This reveals the pervasive nature of worldliness, which is fueled by desires that are not from the Father [[1 John 2:16]].
5. **Sanctification and Spiritual Discipline:** Overcoming sinful epithymía is a crucial aspect of the Christian life and the ongoing process of sanctification. It requires active spiritual discipline, including fleeing youthful lusts [[2 Timothy 2:22]], crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires [[Galatians 5:24]], and living in accordance with the will of God rather than human passions [[1 Peter 4:2]].
### Summary
Epithymía (`{{G1939}}`) denotes a strong longing or desire. While it can refer to legitimate and even commendable desires, its predominant usage in the New Testament describes sinful cravings, lusts, and covetousness. It is consistently portrayed as an internal impulse originating from the fallen flesh and the world system, leading to sin and spiritual corruption. Theologically, epithymía is foundational to understanding the origin of sin, the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, the nature of the "old man," and the pervasive influence of worldliness. Overcoming these sinful desires through the power of the Holy Spirit is a vital component of the Christian's sanctification and their walk with God.
TRV