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Defining Desire

Some say the words translated desire (epithumia and epithumeo, gm) are neutral words. That is, within themselves they do not mean desire for good or desire for evil. While that may be true, I fear that some would carry that neutrality over into their use. In what passage is “desire” neutral?

“And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you...” (Lk. 22:15). Does the word desire in this context have a neutral meaning? Did not Jesus desire something good?

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better...” (Phil. 1:23). Who would deny that the desire to be with Christ is a desire for something good since to be with Christ is far better?

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (I Tim. 3:1). Who is going to say the word “desire” is neutral in that statement? The Holy Spirit Himself said he desires something good.

“Ye lust (epithumeite, gm), and have not: ye kill, and desire (zeeloute, gm) to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). Are the “lust” and “desire” for something good or something evil? The second use of desire is a translation of zeeloo, “...to burn with zeal...” (Thayer). We seek what we desire, whether good or evil. In this context, it is for something evil. James condemned their pursuit of carnal things. Look at verses one through four.

“But every man is tempted, when he is draw away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). Some want to neutralize the word “lust” by translating it “desire.” That will not work. The thing desired leads away, hence is sinful. A desire for the sinful is sinful.

In what context, does “desire” have a neutral meaning? Study carefully. - Editor

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