What is…
lust

Lust is an inward sin of desire which leads to a falling away from God. One may have a lust for money, extravagance, wordly prestige or importance, power/dominance, sensual or sexual pleasures, someone or some thing, etc.

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully matured, it brings forth death. —James 1:15 LSB

“Lust, the origin of sin, has its place in the heart, not of necessity, but because it is the center of all moral forces and impulses and of spiritual activity.” —Matthew Easton, Easton’s Bible Dictionary

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. —1 John 2:16 LSB

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. —2 Peter 1:4 LSB

You lust and do not have, so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. —James 4:2 LSB

In Mark 4:19 “lusts” are objects of desire.

…each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. —James 1:14 LSB excerpt

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. —2 Timothy 2:22 LSB

For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. —Titus 3:3 LSB

…the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. —Mark 4:19 KJV

NKJV: …the desires for other things…

…being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit… —Ephesians 4:22 LSB excerpt

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts —Romans 6:12 LSB

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. —Romans 13:14 LSB

…In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts. —Jude 18 LSB excerpt

…[people] became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened… Romans 1:21 NKJV

And the world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God abides forever. —1 John 2:17 LSB

Greek and Hebrew words

Greek: ἐπιθυμέω —transliteration: epithumeó —meaning: to show focused passion on what one truly yearns for; lust after; to greatly desire to do or have something; to covet something

Greek: ἐπιθυμία —transliteration: epithumia —meaning: passion built on strong feelings (urges/desires); passionate longing; lust

Hebrew: תַּאֲוָה —transliteration: taavah —meaning: a desire; longing for; lust; covetousness

Hebrew: אָוָה —transliteration: avah —meaning: desire; crave; longing; lust after

Hebrew: חָמַד —transliteration: chamad —meaning: to desire; covet; lustful desire; delight

Frequently asked questions

More information

Article Version: October 15, 2019