The term "Craveth" does not appear explicitly in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, the concept of craving or intense desire is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, often associated with both positive and negative connotations. In the biblical context, cravings can refer to physical desires, such as hunger and thirst, as well as spiritual longings for God and His righteousness.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "crave" or "desire" is "ta'avah," which can denote both legitimate needs and sinful lusts. For instance, in Numbers 11:4, the Israelites are described as having a "craving" for meat, which leads them to complain against God and Moses: "The rabble among them had a strong craving, and the Israelites wept again and said, 'Who will feed us meat?'" . This craving reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a longing for the comforts of Egypt, symbolizing a spiritual deficiency.

The Psalms frequently express a righteous form of craving, a deep longing for God and His presence. Psalm 42:1-2 illustrates this spiritual yearning: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?" . Here, the craving is directed towards a relationship with the Divine, highlighting a positive and holy desire.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "epithumia" is often used to describe desires or cravings. This term can refer to both good and evil desires, depending on the context. James 1:14-15 warns of the dangers of sinful cravings: "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 destructive potential of unchecked cravings that lead one away from God's will.

Conversely, the New Testament also speaks of a righteous craving for spiritual nourishment. In 1 Peter 2:2, believers are encouraged to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" . This craving is portrayed as essential for spiritual growth and maturity, emphasizing the importance of desiring God's Word and truth.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, cravings can be understood as indicative of the human condition, reflecting both the fallen nature of humanity and the innate longing for God. The Bible presents a dichotomy between worldly cravings, which lead to sin and separation from God, and spiritual cravings, which draw individuals closer to Him. The Scriptures call believers to redirect their desires towards God, seeking fulfillment in His presence and promises.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their cravings and desires, discerning whether they align with God's will. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can cultivate a heart that craves righteousness and seeks to glorify God in all aspects of life. The biblical narrative invites individuals to transform their cravings from earthly to heavenly, fostering a deeper relationship with the Creator.

For, Concerning False Witness, which is Set Down in the Ten ...
... person who interrogates thee or wishes to know aught from thee seeks that which
concerneth him not, or which is not expedient for him to know, he craveth not a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 36 for concerning false.htm

The Night Watch
... not there; And amidst the thronging of men I am lonelier than alone,. For
my eye seeketh One I find not, my heart craveth only One. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/the night watch.htm

The Inner Chamber
... What are we, outwearied at our best? For the heart amidst the world's allurings.
Craveth evermore for God and rest". God and rest"all else the weary load. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/the inner chamber.htm

A Bundle of Proverbs
... He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.27. An
ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.28. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a bundle of proverbs.htm

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... "Know, therefore," saith Zophar, "God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquities
deserve." God exacteth not according to law, he craveth not according to the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent
... The will of our own Flesh is set upon earthly pleasures and sensual delights, and
it craveth to have the best of everything, and continually to find enjoyment ...
/.../i sermon for the first.htm

Epilogue: a victim of Divine Love
... Come to my heart . . . it craveth but for Thee! And when Thou comest,
straightway let me die Of very love for Thee; this boon impart! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/epilogue a victim of divine.htm

A Canticle of Love
... Come to my heart . . . it craveth but for Thee! And when Thou comest,
straightway let me die Of very love for Thee; this boon impart! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Craveth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Craveth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 16:26 He that laboureth
laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/craveth.htm - 7k

Craving (19 Occurrences)

/c/craving.htm - 11k

Laboureth (8 Occurrences)
... fruits. (KJV). Proverbs 16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for
his mouth craveth it of him. (KJV JPS DBY). Ecclesiastes ...
/l/laboureth.htm - 8k

Craves (5 Occurrences)

/c/craves.htm - 7k

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