In the context of the Bible, the term "craved" often refers to a strong desire or longing, typically for something that is not aligned with God's will. This concept is frequently associated with the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as well as with broader teachings on human desires and temptations.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable instances of craving is found in the narrative of the Israelites in the wilderness. In Numbers 11:4-6 , the Israelites express their craving for the foods they had in Egypt, lamenting their current diet of manna: "Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!'"

This craving led to discontent and rebellion against God's provision, highlighting a recurring theme in Scripture where human desires conflict with divine provision and guidance. The Israelites' longing for the foods of Egypt symbolizes a deeper spiritual issue—a lack of trust in God's plan and provision.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the concept of craving is addressed in the context of spiritual teachings on desires and temptations. James 1:14-15 provides insight into the nature of cravings and their consequences: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

This passage underscores the progression from craving to sin, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's desires to avoid spiritual downfall. The New Testament encourages believers to seek fulfillment in Christ rather than in worldly desires, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17 : "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."

Theological Implications

Theologically, cravings are often viewed as manifestations of the fallen human nature, which is inclined toward sin and away from God's righteousness. The Bible calls believers to transform their desires through the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2) and to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2).

Cravings, when left unchecked, can lead to idolatry, as individuals may prioritize their desires over their relationship with God. The biblical narrative consistently warns against allowing cravings to dictate one's actions, urging believers to find contentment and satisfaction in God's provision and promises.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to cultivate self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), to resist the temptations that arise from cravings. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are vital practices in overcoming the pull of worldly desires. By aligning one's desires with God's will, believers can experience true fulfillment and peace.(imp. & p. p.) of Crave.1937. epithumeo -- desire, lust after
... Word Origin from epi and thumos Definition desire, lust after NASB Word Usage covet
(2), coveted (1), craved (1), desire (1), desired (2), desires (1), gladly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1937.htm - 8k183. avah -- to incline, desire
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition to incline, desire NASB Word Usage been
greedy (1), crave (1), craved (1), craves (1), craving (1), desire (8 ...
/hebrew/183.htm - 6k

Rebellion of Attalus and his General Heraclean; and How He ...
... Book IX. Chapter VIII."Rebellion of Attalus and his General Heraclean; and
how he eventually craved Forgiveness at the Feet of Honorius. ...
/.../chapter viii rebellion of attalus and.htm

The Life of John Campbel Earl of Loudon.
... Of these reasons Traquair craved a double, and promised to answer them,
but it appears never found leisure for this employment. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of john campbel.htm

The Three Tabernacles
... and in rapture, the Apostle seems to have forgotten the world from which he had
ascended, and to which he still belonged, and to have craved permanent shelter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/the three tabernacles.htm

The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
... that, as by acts of parliament and laws of the church, he should be tried for his
doctrine by the church, he therefore protested for, and craved a trial by them ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr andrew.htm

The Humanheartedness of Jesus.
... He craved affection, and even among the weak and faulty men and women about him
made many very sacred attachments from which he drew strength and comfort. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter i the humanheartedness of.htm

The Prayer of Jabez
... it, and then the endowment shall be something godlike indeed; something worthy of
the lips that pronounce the benediction, and verily to be craved by every one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the prayer of jabez.htm

Coming to the King.
... disappointed. Her long journey accomplished, she reached Jerusalem, and was granted
the audience with the great king which her soul craved. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/coming to the king.htm

Book Three the Story of his Student Days in Carthage, his ...
... slime of lust. Yet, foul and unclean as I was, I still craved, in excessive
vanity, to be thought elegant and urbane. And I did ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book three the story of.htm

The Solidarity of the Human Family
... comradeship of his group. In Gethsemane he craved friendship. He prayed to
God, but he reached out for Peter and John. The longing for ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ii the solidarity of.htm

"A Fine, Generous Fellow. "
... "Come, let us have some oysters," said he. I did not object. We went to an
oyster-house, and ate and drank as much as our appetites craved. He paid the bill! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/a fine generous fellow.htm

Craved (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Crave. Multi-Version Concordance
Craved (6 Occurrences). Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea ...
/c/craved.htm - 7k

Crave (9 Occurrences)

/c/crave.htm - 9k

Lust (42 Occurrences)
... wilderness. Also in Numbers 11:4 concerning "flesh to eat" it is said the
multitude "lusted exceedingly" ie "craved eagerly. (4) Chamadh ...
/l/lust.htm - 24k

Waited (72 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for
the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body ...
/w/waited.htm - 26k

Counsellor (16 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for
the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body ...
/c/counsellor.htm - 12k

Counselor (19 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, who also waited for the
kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus ...
/c/counselor.htm - 12k

Craves (5 Occurrences)

/c/craves.htm - 7k

Arimathea (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, who also waited for the
kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus ...
/a/arimathea.htm - 12k

Honour (475 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for
the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body ...
/h/honour.htm - 35k

Honourable (72 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for
the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body ...
/h/honourable.htm - 28k

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