Lustful
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Definition and Nature:
Lustfulness is characterized by an intense and unrestrained desire, often of a sexual nature. In the biblical context, it is considered a sin that stems from the heart and leads to actions contrary to God's commandments. Lust is often associated with covetousness and idolatry, as it places personal desires above God's will.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· Exodus 20:17 · The commandment against coveting includes a prohibition against lusting after a neighbor's spouse, highlighting the sinful nature of desiring what is not rightfully one's own.
· Proverbs 6:25 · "Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes." This verse warns against the dangers of being led astray by physical attraction, emphasizing the importance of guarding one's heart.

2. New Testament:
· Matthew 5:28 · Jesus intensifies the understanding of lust by stating, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching underscores the seriousness of lustful thoughts, equating them with the act of adultery.
· 1 John 2:16 · "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." This passage categorizes lust as part of worldly desires that are opposed to the will of God.

Theological Implications:
Lust is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that all humans inherit. It is a distortion of the good desires God has given, turning them into self-serving and destructive impulses. The Bible teaches that lust leads to spiritual death if not repented of and overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Moral and Ethical Teachings:
Christians are called to live lives of purity and self-control, resisting the temptations of lust. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). The pursuit of holiness involves a conscious effort to renew the mind and align one's desires with God's will (Romans 12:2).

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude, focusing on the blessings God has provided rather than longing for what is forbidden. Accountability, prayer, and immersion in Scripture are vital tools in combating lustful thoughts and actions. The community of faith plays a crucial role in supporting individuals in their journey toward purity and righteousness.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In biblical times, as today, lust was a prevalent issue that affected individuals and communities. The cultural norms of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world often conflicted with the biblical call to sexual purity, making the teachings of Scripture countercultural and challenging to uphold. The early church fathers and subsequent Christian theologians have consistently taught against lust, emphasizing its destructive impact on both personal and communal levels.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of lust as a common human struggle, it offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. By relying on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome lust and live in accordance with God's design for human relationships.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Full of lust; excited by lust.

2. (a.) Exciting lust; characterized by lust or sensuality.

3. (a.) Strong; lusty.

Greek
1939. epithumia -- desire, passionate longing, lust
... desire, passionate longing, lust NASB Word Usage coveting (2), desire (4), desires
(8), earnestly (1), impulses (1), long (1), lust (5), lustful (1), lusts (15 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1939.htm - 7k

4763. streniao -- to run riot
... revel, riot. Cognate: 4763 -- living in sensual, lustful behavior, ie in
self-indulgence (wanton luxury). See 4764 (). Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4763.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew
2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness
... wickedness NASB Word Usage acts of lewdness (1), crime (1), devising (1), evil intent
(1), immorality (2), lewd (3), lewdly (1), lewdness (13), lustful crime (1 ...
/hebrew/2154.htm - 6k

5690. agab -- (sensuous) love
... desires. Word Origin from agab Definition (sensuous) love NASB Word Usage
lustful desires (1), sensual (1). much love, very lovely. ...
/hebrew/5690.htm - 6k

1432. gadel -- becoming great, growing up
... Word Origin from gadal Definition becoming great, growing up NASB Word Usage greater
(1), grow richer (1), growing* (1), lustful* (1), stature (1). great, grew. ...
/hebrew/1432.htm - 6k

1320. basar -- flesh
... Word Origin from basar Definition flesh NASB Word Usage anyone* (1), bodies (2),
body (39), fatter* (1), flesh (176), gaunt* (3), lustful* (1), man (1 ...
/hebrew/1320.htm - 6k

Library

David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery.
... Book III. Chapter 21."David Not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery.
But when King David had suffered this injury at the hands ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 david not lustful though.htm

Vision Second. Again, of his Neglect in Chastising his Talkative ...
... The Pastor: Book First."Visions. Vision Second. Again, of His Neglect in Chastising
His Talkative Wife and His Lustful Sons, and of His Character. Chap. I. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/vision second again of his.htm

Whether There Can be Mortal Sin in Touches and Kisses?
... Therefore they are not mortal sins in themselves. On the contrary, A lustful
look is less than a touch, a caress or a kiss. But ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be mortal.htm

Whether the Matter of Lust is Only Venereal Desires and Pleasures?
... Objection 2: Further, it is written (Prov.20:1): "Wine is a lustful [Douay: 'luxurious']
thing." Now wine is connected with pleasure of meat and drink. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the matter of lust.htm

Whether the Daughters of Lust are Fittingly Described?
... lust. For it is said of the lustful old men (Dan.13:9): "They perverted
their own mind . . . that they might not . . . remember ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the daughters of lust.htm

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... I was deceived and deceived others, in varied lustful projects"sometimes publicly,
by the teaching of what men style "the liberal arts"; sometimes secretly ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

But if You Come to the Conclusion that These Fables have Been ...
... For what are we to substitute for the wrigglings [4547] into which the lustful heat
[4548] of Semele's offspring forced him upon the sepulchral mound? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/44 but if you come.htm

Whether the Unnatural vice is a Species of Lust?
... This may occur in two ways: First, through being contrary to right reason, and this
is common to all lustful vices; secondly, because, in addition, it is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the unnatural vice is.htm

Whether Six Daughters are Fittingly Assigned to Gluttony?
... Reply to Objection 3: Scurrility proceeds from the act of gluttony, and not from
the lustful act, but from the lustful will: wherefore it may be referred to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether six daughters are fittingly.htm

Whether the Matter of Christ's Body Should have Been Taken from a ...
... There is, however, a certain uncleanness therein, resulting from sin, as far
as lustful desire accompanies conception by sexual union. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the matter of christs.htm

Thesaurus
Lustful (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lustful (10 Occurrences). ... Mark 7:22 covetings, wickedness,
deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. ...
/l/lustful.htm - 9k

Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Obscene; lustful; lascivious; indecent. ... 3. (superl.) Given to the
promiscuous indulgence of lust; dissolute; lustful; libidinous. ...
/l/lewd.htm - 20k

Lustfully (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:28 But I tell you that whoever looks at a woman and cherishes lustful
thoughts has already in his heart become guilty with regard to her. ...
/l/lustfully.htm - 6k

Licentiousness (10 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness,
not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. ...
/l/licentiousness.htm - 9k

Sensuality (9 Occurrences)
... Sensuality (9 Occurrences). Mark 7:22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires,
an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. (See NAS). ...
/s/sensuality.htm - 9k

Lusteth (6 Occurrences)

/l/lusteth.htm - 8k

Neigh (2 Occurrences)
... NEIGH. na (tsahal, "to cry aloud," "neigh"): Figuratively used to indicate lustful
desire (Jeremiah 5:8; compare Jeremiah 13:29). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/n/neigh.htm - 7k

Unprincipled (4 Occurrences)
... error; (DBY). 2 Peter 2:7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed
by the lustful life of the wicked (See NAS). 2 Peter ...
/u/unprincipled.htm - 7k

Orgies (4 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness,
not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. ...
/o/orgies.htm - 8k

Oppressed (81 Occurrences)
... water. (WEY). 2 Peter 2:7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed
by the lustful life of the wicked (See NAS). Genesis ...
/o/oppressed.htm - 31k

Resources
How can I get rid of lustful thoughts? | GotQuestions.org

What is lasciviousness? | GotQuestions.org

Is it ever not a sin to masturbate? | GotQuestions.org

Lustful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Lustful (10 Occurrences)

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that whoever looks at a woman and cherishes lustful thoughts has already in his heart become guilty with regard to her.
(WEY RSV NIV)

Mark 7:22
covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
(WEB)

Romans 13:13
Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
(WEB)

1 Thessalonians 4:5
that you be not overmastered by lustful cravings, like the Gentiles who have no knowledge of God;
(WEY NAS)

2 Peter 2:7
and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked
(WEB)

2 Peter 2:18
For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;
(See NIV)

Job 31:11
For that would be a heinous crime. Yes, it would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges:
(See NAS)

Jeremiah 13:27
I have seen your abominations, even your adulteries, and your neighing, the lewdness of your prostitution, on the hills in the field. Woe to you, Jerusalem! You will not be made clean; how long shall it yet be?
(See NAS NIV)

Ezekiel 16:26
You have also committed sexual immorality with the Egyptians, your neighbors, great of flesh; and have multiplied your prostitution, to provoke me to anger.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 33:31
They come to you as the people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don't do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Lustful

Related Terms

Lustful (10 Occurrences)

Lustfulness (2 Occurrences)

Gaze (46 Occurrences)

Girl (71 Occurrences)

Hotly (6 Occurrences)

Lusteth
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