### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **órexis**, represented by `{{G3715}}`, describes an **excitement of the mind, i.e. longing after**, often translated as **lust**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3715}}` is in [[Romans 1:27]], where it describes men who, having left the **natural** `{{G5446}}` use of the **woman** `{{G2338}}`, **burned** `{{G1572}}` in their **lust** one toward another. This passage depicts the longing as an intense passion that leads to **working** `{{G2716}}` that which is **unseemly** `{{G808}}` and receiving a **recompence** `{{G489}}` for their **error** `{{G4106}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify its meaning:
* `{{G1572}}` **ekkaíō** (to inflame deeply:--burn): This word is used in direct connection with **órexis**, describing how the men **burned** in their lust [[Romans 1:27]].
* `{{G5446}}` **physikós** ("physical", i.e. (by implication) instinctive:--natural): This term establishes a contrast. The lust described by **órexis** is associated with leaving the **natural** use [[Romans 1:27]], a concept also applied to women in the preceding verse [[Romans 1:26]].
* `{{G4106}}` **plánē** (a straying from orthodoxy or piety:--deceit, to deceive, delusion, error): This word connects the **lust** to a broader spiritual state of **error**, for which a due recompense is received [[Romans 1:27]]. It is used elsewhere to describe delusion [[2 Thessalonians 2:11]] and straying [[James 5:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3715}}` is concentrated in its single, specific application.
* **A Departure from the Natural:** The use of **órexis** in scripture is explicitly tied to abandoning what is described as the **natural** `{{G5446}}` use, specifically in the context of men leaving the use of the **woman** `{{G2338}}` [[Romans 1:27]].
* **An Inflamed and Consuming Passion:** The word does not merely mean desire, but an intense longing. Its pairing with **ekkaíō** ("to inflame deeply") highlights a passion that has **burned** out of control [[Romans 1:27]].
* **A Consequence of Error:** This intense longing is presented as part of a larger state of **error** `{{G4106}}`. The passage states that acting on this lust results in receiving in themselves the "recompence...which was meet" [[Romans 1:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3715}}` **órexis** is a highly specific term for **lust** or inflamed longing. Its single biblical appearance in [[Romans 1:27]] frames it as a desire that deviates from the natural order, burns intensely, and is linked to a broader spiritual **error** `{{G4106}}` that brings about a necessary **recompence** `{{G489}}`.
TRV