ἐπιθυμητής
epithymētḗs
G1938 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who desires intensely or sets one's heart upon something, especially with reference to strong longing or yearning. The term often implies an intense craving, whether for objects, experiences, or, in ethical contexts, for something perceived as forbidden or excessive. In specific contexts—such as moral or religious instruction—the word can convey negative connotations of inappropriate or unruly desire, but it may denote a passionate longing in a neutral sense as well.
Semantic Range
one who desires intensely, craver, one set on something, person driven by strong longing (especially for what is forbidden or excessive); one characterized by unchecked or unruly desire
Root / Etymology
From ἐπιθυμέω (to desire, to long for), itself formed from the preposition ἐπί ('upon, toward') and θυμός ('passion, desire, mind'). The noun is formed with the agentive suffix -τής, denoting a person characterized by the action or tendency.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐπιθυμητής is a rare term in extant Greek literature, notable for its appearance in moral admonitions and paraenetic (exhortational) passages, particularly within Hellenistic-Jewish and early Christian writings. In classical usage, related terms occur more frequently, but this specific noun is largely absent until later literature. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 10:6), the term is used specifically of individuals who yield to intense desires for what is prohibited or unwholesome, echoing the pattern of the ancient Israelites in the wilderness narratives. The LXX and Jewish-Hellenistic literature sometimes employ the cognate ἐπιθυμία for desires of various kinds, both positive and negative, but the substantival agent noun (ἐπιθυμητής) typically bears a negative coloring when used in instructional contexts (unlike the neutral or positive sense possible with the verb or other forms). English translations often render it as 'one who lusts,' 'craver,' or 'desirer,' but such translations may not capture the full nuances of intensity and potential moral implication in Greek usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπιθυμέω; a craver:--+ lust after.
Root Family
ἐπιθυμητής (epithymētēs) — to desire, to long for, to covet
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1938-01 |
ἐπιθυμητὰς | epithumetas | N ACC M PL |
cravers | cravers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1938-01 |
1 Corinthians 10:6 | ἐπιθυμητὰς | epithumetas | N ACC M PL |
cravers | cravers |