Desire
TextsWhat is the meaning of Desire in the Bible?
The Hebrew verb 'to desire' encompasses meanings such as longing, asking, or demanding, and appears in both positive and negative contexts. Key lexical items include kacaph, denoting oppression or violent craving, and chemdah, referring to covetousness or strong desire.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the semantic range of these Hebrew terms clarifies the moral and emotional intensity behind biblical commands and prohibitions regarding human wants and actions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Desire functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Desire in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Desire clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Desire." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/desire/