Etymology and Semantic Analysis
The English word ‘desire’ is a complex term encapsulating longing, craving, or a strong wish. Its Greek equivalent, ἐπιθυμία (epithymia), found in the New Testament, conveys a similar spectrum of intense yearnings, whether noble or ignoble. This term appears in various contexts, from the harmless longing for food (Philippians 1:23) to the perilous coveting leading to sin (James 1:15). Interestingly, ἐπιθυμία is a compound of ἐπί (epi), meaning ‘upon’, and θυμός (thymos), often translated as ‘passion’ or ‘anger’, suggesting a fervor placed upon a particular object or objective. Scripturally, this term is nuanced, occasionally embodying virtuous aspirations, like Paul’s desire (ἐπιθυμία) to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23), yet predominantly signifying illicit cravings, such as the desires (ἐπιθυμίαι) of the flesh (Galatians 5:24). These dichotomies underline the term’s versatility and the importance of contextual interpretation.
Commentary and Exegesis
The interpretation of ἐπιθυμία pivots significantly on context. In Romans 7:7, Paul rhetorically inquires about the covetousness (ἐπιθυμία) prohibited by the commandment, implying its sinful nature. Yet, this same fervor, under divine direction, can be laudable, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:17, where Paul expresses his intense longing (ἐπιθυμία) to see the Thessalonians. This multifaceted nature demands a discerning exegesis, recognizing the term’s inherent neutrality and its moral coloring by adjoining narratives and theological frameworks.
Various Translations
The King James Version often renders ἐπιθυμία as ‘lust’, carrying a predominantly negative connotation. Modern translations like the New International Version and the English Standard Version opt for ‘desire’, a term with a broader, less inherently negative spectrum. This variation in translation underscores the term’s semantic range and the translator’s pivotal role in shaping scriptural understanding.
Grammatical Study
In the Greek New Testament, ἐπιθυμία is a feminine noun, predominantly in the singular, denoting an intense craving or longing. Its appearances span various syntactical constructs, from the object of verbs of action (e.g., ‘to fulfill the desires’ – Galatians 5:16) to the subject in nominal phrases (e.g., ‘the desire of the flesh’ – Galatians 5:24). This flexibility in usage highlights its role in conveying the multifaceted nature of human yearning, both in commendable pursuits and in the tendency towards sinfulness. Analyzing the English ‘desire’, one finds a similar breadth, with its role in the language ranging from benign wishfulness to the gateway of vices, mirroring the nuanced Greek counterpart. The study of these terms, in both original and translated texts, offers a rich tapestry of human emotion, aspiration, and, often, moral complexity.
Syntax
The Greek noun ἐπιθυμία, being feminine, typically aligns with corresponding adjectives and verbs, generating a syntactical harmony that guides interpretation. Notably, it often appears with verbs of action or being, indicating the subject’s state or action concerning their desires. For instance, ‘to have desire’ (ἔχω ἐπιθυμίαν) or ‘to fulfill the desire’ (πληρόω ἐπιθυμίαν) are common constructions, emphasizing the active pursuit or possession of these yearnings.
Historical Context
In the Greco-Roman world, ἐπιθυμία was recognized as a fundamental aspect of the psyche, integral to understanding human behavior. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle deliberated on the nature of desire, distinguishing between rational desires aligned with virtue and irrational ones leading to excess and moral decay. This philosophical backdrop informs the New Testament writers, who engage with and reinterpret these concepts within a Christian moral and spiritual framework, emphasizing the transformation of desire in the life of a believer.
Biblical Narrative and Typological Analysis
Biblically, ἐπιθυμία is embedded in narratives underscoring the tension between divine purpose and human proclivity. From Eve’s desire in Genesis, leading to the Fall, to Jesus’ teaching on inner purity in Matthew 5:28, where even wrongful desire (ἐπιθυμία) is tantamount to sin, the narrative arc scrutinizes the human heart. Typologically, ἐπιθυμία serves as a motif of caution, a marker of humanity’s continual struggle between flesh and spirit, highlighting the need for divine grace and moral vigilance.
Theological and Symbolic Interpretations
Theologically, ἐπιθυμία is pivotal in delineating the anthropology of sin and redemption. It symbolizes the battleground of the soul, where human will and divine sovereignty intersect. Early Church Fathers, like Augustine, grappled with the nature of desire, associating it with the concept of concupiscence and the inherent disorder post-Fall. In a redemptive light, desire, when realigned with God’s will, is seen as a pathway to sanctification, a deep yearning for divine union and the fulfillment of the soul’s true purpose.
Practical Implications
Understanding ἐπιθυμία in its biblical context challenges individuals to introspect their desires, discerning between those that align with God’s will and those that lead away from it. It encourages a transformative approach to spiritual life, recognizing the potential of sanctified desires to propel moral growth, foster compassion, and cultivate a yearning for divine things, thus reshaping personal ethics and communal living.
References
Bauer, W., Danker, F. W., Arndt, W. F., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. University of Chicago Press.
Thayer, J. H. (1889). Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Hendrickson Publishers.
Vine, W. E. (1940). Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Thomas Nelson.