ἐπιθυμέω (epithumeō)
epithumeō
to long for
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epithumeō describes a strong desire or longing for something. In the New Testament it appears in contexts ranging from positive anticipation to dangerous craving. Jesus uses it positively when he expresses a deep wish to share the Passover with his disciples before his suffering (Luke 22:15), and later speaks of prophets and kings longing to see what believers now witness (Matthew 13:17). However, the word also carries a warning tone, as seen in James’ instruction that our desires can wage war against the soul (James 4:2) or in Paul’s explanation that the law reveals sin through the commandment against coveting (Romans 7:7).
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix meaning "upon" with a root related to spirit or breath. This suggests an intense, focused longing rather than a casual wish. Translators often render it as "covet" when the desire is for something forbidden, such as another person’s spouse (Matthew 5:28), or as "long for" in neutral or positive contexts. The shift in usage reflects how the same human capacity for deep desire can lead either to spiritual life or to conflict, depending on its object.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epithumeō describes a deep, focused longing that goes beyond a casual wish. It captures the intensity of what we truly want, whether that desire is for spiritual growth or for something forbidden. Understanding this vocabulary helps us recognize that our deepest cravings are not neutral; they shape our character and direct our steps.
Jesus used this term to show how deeply He valued His time with His followers, expressing an earnest wish to share the Passover meal before His suffering (Luke 22:15). This reminds us that God honors sincere longing. When we align our desires with His will, those same intense feelings become a source of strength and hope rather than distraction.
At the same time, Scripture warns when these longings turn inward toward selfish gain or forbidden objects. By examining what we truly desire, we can invite God to refine our hearts. This process allows us to replace harmful cravings with a steady hope in His promises, finding peace in what He has already provided.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will desire1×
- you will covet;1×
- you will covet,1×
- to lust after1×
- they will long1×
- longed1×
- he was longing1×
- he is desirous.1×
- desiring1×
- desires1×
- desired.1×
- desire1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιθυμῶν1×
- ἐπιθυμῆσαι1×
- ἐπιθυμήσουσιν1×
- ἐπιθυμήσετε1×
- ἐπιθυμήσεις·1×
- ἐπιθυμήσεις,1×
- ἐπιθυμοῦσιν1×
- ἐπιθυμοῦμεν1×
- ἐπιθυμεῖτε1×
- ἐπιθυμεῖ.1×
- ἐπιθυμεῖ1×
- ἐπεθύμησαν.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:15
He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
Jesus uses this word to express His intense personal longing to share the Passover with His disciples before His death.
-
Matthew 13:17
For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them.
This verse highlights the blessed privilege of believers, noting that prophets and righteous men longed to see what Jesus’ followers now witness.
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James 4:2
You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
Here the word illustrates how unchecked selfish desires lead to conflict and a failure to receive from God because we do not ask rightly.
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Romans 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin except through the law. For I wouldn’t have known coveting unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”
Paul explains that the law uses this concept to reveal sin, showing that the commandment against coveting makes us aware of our inner transgressions.