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ἐπιθυμέω

epithyméō

G1937 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ἐπι- + θυμ- to desire, to long for, to set one's heart on

Definition

To desire intensely, to long for, set one's heart upon; expresses strong wish or craving for something, whether good or bad, physical or non-physical. In various contexts, may denote an honorable yearning, a strong craving, or an illicit longing—especially when objected toward forbidden persons or objects.

Semantic Range

to desire intensely, to long for, to crave, to covet, to yearn for, to lust after, to set one's heart upon

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἐπί (upon, toward) and the noun θυμός (passion, emotion, heart, mind); literally, 'to set passion upon.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπιθυμέω carries the sense of directing one's desire or zeal toward something, not inherently negative or illicit. In the Septuagint, ἐπιθυμέω often translates forms of the Hebrew חָמַד (chamad), especially regarding forbidden desires (e.g., coveting a neighbor's possessions, as in the Decalogue). In the New Testament, the verb appears both in positive contexts (e.g., Luke 22:15, 'I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you') and negative contexts (e.g., Matthew 5:28, of lustful intent; Romans 7:7, 'covet'). English translations sometimes render the word 'desire,' 'covet,' 'long for,' or 'lust,' but each carries different connotations. Modern usage often restricts 'lust' to sexual meaning, but ἐπιθυμέω in Koine covers a broader range—including deep yearning for material, spiritual, or personal fulfillment, both legitimate and prohibited. Notably, the verb takes its character from its object and context rather than denoting sinfulness by default. Distinct from other Greek verbs for wish/desire (θέλω, βούλομαι) by its emphasis on intensity and emotional drive.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and θυμός; to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise):--covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).

Root Family

ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō) — to desire intensely, to long for, to set one's heart on

Word Forms

12 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1937-04 ἐπιθυμεῖ epithumei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG desires intensely desires 2
G1937-02 ἐπεθύμησα epethumesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I coveted I intensely desired 2
G1937-07 ἐπιθυμήσεις epithumeseis V FUT ACT IND 2P SG covet you will intensely desire 2
G1937-03 ἐπεθύμησαν epethumesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL lusted they intensely desired 2
G1937-06 ἐπιθυμῆσαι epithumesai V AOR ACT INF to intensely desire 1
G1937-05 ἐπιθυμεῖτε epithumeite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL You lust You intensely desire 1
G1937-09 ἐπιθυμήσουσιν epithumesousin V FUT ACT IND 3P PL they will intensely desire 1
G1937-10 ἐπιθυμῶν epithumon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG desiring setting his heart upon 1
G1937-01 ἐπεθύμει epethumei V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG longed was longing intensely for 1
G1937-11 ἐπιθυμοῦμεν epithumoumen V PRS ACT IND 1P PL we long for 1

Occurrences in Scripture

16 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1937-06 Matthew 5:28 ἐπιθυμῆσαι epithumesai V AOR ACT INF to intensely desire
G1937-03 Matthew 13:17 ἐπεθύμησαν epethumesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they intensely desired
G1937-01 Luke 15:16 ἐπεθύμει epethumei V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG longed was longing intensely for
G1937-10 Luke 16:21 ἐπιθυμῶν epithumon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG desiring setting his heart upon
G1937-08 Luke 17:22 ἐπιθυμήσετε epithumesete V FUT ACT IND 2P PL you will desire you will set your hearts upon
G1937-02 Luke 22:15 ἐπεθύμησα epethumesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I have desired I intensely desired
G1937-02 Acts 20:33 ἐπεθύμησα epethumesa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I coveted I intensely desired
G1937-07 Romans 7:7 ἐπιθυμήσεις epithumeseis V FUT ACT IND 2P SG you will intensely desire
G1937-07 Romans 13:9 ἐπιθυμήσεις epithumeseis V FUT ACT IND 2P SG covet you will intensely desire
G1937-03 1 Corinthians 10:6 ἐπεθύμησαν epethumesan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL lusted they intensely desired
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