ἐπιθυμέω
epithumeō
to long for
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπιθυμέω (epithumeō) is a verb that means "to long for." This verb is commonly used to describe a strong desire or craving for something. Its semantic domain is related to time and duration, suggesting that it can also imply a sense of persistence or continuity in one's longing. In the Bible, epithumeō is used 16 times, indicating its significance in various contexts. It can be used to describe physical desires, such as hunger or thirst, but also emotional or spiritual longings. This verb can also imply a sense of discontent or dissatisfaction, as when one longs for something that is absent or unattainable. The range of usage for epithumeō is quite broad, encompassing both positive and negative connotations. On the one hand, it can describe a legitimate desire for God or spiritual things, as in the case of those who long for God's presence or guidance. On the other hand, it can also describe sinful desires, such as lust or greed, that are contrary to God's will.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
16 total occurrences across the text
but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matthew 13:17For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them.
Luke 15:16He wanted to fill his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any.
Luke 16:21and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 17:22He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.
Luke 22:15He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
Acts 20:33I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing.
Romans 7:7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn’t have known coveting, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”
Romans 13:9For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 Corinthians 10:6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Galatians 5:17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.
1 Timothy 3:1This is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work.
Hebrews 6:11We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end,
James 4:2You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
1 Peter 1:12To them it was revealed, that they served not to themselves, but to you, in these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
Revelation 9:6In those days people will seek death, and will in no way find it. They will desire to die, and death will flee from them.