middle voice of apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary (compare ὄρος); to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for):--covet after, desire.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **orégomai**, represented by `{{G3713}}`, means to **stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for)**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This term signifies an active and earnest stretching out or longing for something, with its moral implication depending entirely on the object of the desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3713}}` illustrates both righteous and unrighteous longing. It is used positively to describe a laudable ambition, as when a man might **desire** the office of a bishop, which is called a good work [[1 Timothy 3:1]]. Similarly, it expresses the deep, faith-filled hope of believers who **desire** a better, heavenly country [[Hebrews 11:16]]. In contrast, the term is also used negatively to warn against destructive craving, where some who **coveted after** money ultimately "erred from the faith" [[1 Timothy 6:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of the desires described by `{{G3713}}`:
* `{{G1937}}` **epithyméō** (to set the heart upon, i.e. long for): This word is used in parallel with `{{G3713}}` to reinforce the idea of a deep yearning. In [[1 Timothy 3:1]], one who desires `{{G3713}}` the office of a bishop **desireth** `{{G1937}}` a good work.
* `{{G2909}}` **kreíttōn** (better, i.e. nobler): This adjective defines the worthy object of a righteous desire. In [[Hebrews 11:16]], the patriarchs are described as desiring a **better** `{{G2909}}` country.
* `{{G5365}}` **philargyría** (avarice): This specifies the sinful object of a destructive desire. The **love of money** `{{G5365}}` is what some coveted after, leading them astray [[1 Timothy 6:10]].
* `{{G635}}` **apoplanáō** (to lead astray): This word describes the dangerous outcome of misdirected desire. By coveting after money, some have **erred** `{{G635}}` from the faith [[1 Timothy 6:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3713}}` centers on the direction and nature of human desire.
* **Validated Ambition:** The desire for spiritual oversight is presented as a noble goal. When one desires the office of a bishop, it is affirmed as a desire for a "good work" [[1 Timothy 3:1]].
* **Hopeful Longing:** The term is used to characterize the proper orientation of the believer's heart toward a future, heavenly reality. Those living by faith are shown to **desire** a "better country" prepared by God [[Hebrews 11:16]].
* **Destructive Covetousness:** The act of coveting after money is explicitly linked to straying from the faith and piercing oneself through with "many sorrows," illustrating the spiritual danger of misplaced longing [[1 Timothy 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3713}}` is a powerful word that conveys an intense "reaching out for" something. Its use in Scripture highlights a critical truth: the act of desiring is not inherently sinful, but its moral character is defined by its object. Whether it is a righteous longing for a heavenly country and godly work or a destructive coveting of money that leads to ruin, **orégomai** forces a consideration of what one is truly stretching toward.
TRV