Topical Encyclopedia The term "desirable" in the Bible often refers to that which is pleasing, attractive, or worthy of being sought after. It can pertain to physical beauty, material wealth, spiritual virtues, or divine attributes. The concept of desirability is multifaceted, encompassing both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.Physical Beauty and Material Wealth In the Old Testament, desirability is frequently associated with physical beauty and material wealth. For instance, in Genesis 2:9, the trees in the Garden of Eden are described as "pleasing to the eye and good for food," highlighting the aesthetic and practical desirability of God's creation. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 9:2, Saul is described as "a choice and handsome young man," indicating that physical appearance was a desirable trait for leadership. Material wealth is also depicted as desirable, though often with cautionary undertones. Proverbs 21:20 states, "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." Here, wealth is desirable but must be managed wisely to avoid folly. Spiritual Virtues Desirability extends beyond the physical and material to encompass spiritual virtues. In Psalm 19:10, the decrees of the Lord are described as "more desirable than gold, even the finest gold; sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb." This passage elevates the desirability of God's commandments above earthly riches, emphasizing their eternal value and sweetness to the soul. The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to desire spiritual gifts and virtues. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul encourages the church to "pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." Here, the desirability of spiritual gifts is linked to their edification of the church and the expression of love. Divine Attributes God Himself is portrayed as the ultimate object of desire. In Psalm 73:25, the psalmist declares, "Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You." This expression of longing for God above all else underscores the supreme desirability of a relationship with the Creator. The prophetic literature also speaks of the desirability of the coming Messiah. In Haggai 2:7, the "Desire of All Nations" is a title that some interpret as referring to the anticipated Messiah, whose coming would fulfill the deepest longings of humanity. Warnings Against Misplaced Desires While the Bible acknowledges the legitimacy of certain desires, it also warns against misplaced or excessive desires. In 1 John 2:16, believers are cautioned against "the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life," which are not from the Father but from the world. These desires can lead to sin and separation from God if not kept in check. The account of Achan in Joshua 7 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of coveting what is forbidden. Achan's desire for the spoils of Jericho led to his downfall and serves as a warning against the destructive power of unchecked desires. Conclusion The concept of desirability in the Bible is complex, encompassing both the allure of the temporal and the eternal. While physical beauty and material wealth are acknowledged as desirable, the Scriptures consistently elevate spiritual virtues and a relationship with God as the highest objects of desire. Believers are encouraged to cultivate desires that align with God's will, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. t.) Worthy of desire or longing; fitted to excite desire or a wish to possess; pleasing; agreeable.Greek 701. arestos -- pleasing, ie fit ... See 700 (). Word Origin from aresko Definition pleasing, ie fit NASB Word Usage desirable (1), pleased (1), pleasing (1), things that are pleasing (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/701.htm - 6k 2158. euschemon -- comely 3090. Lois -- Lois, a Christian woman 2565. kallielaios -- a cultivated olive (tree) 1545. ekbasis -- an exit, outcome Strong's Hebrew 4261. machmad -- desire, desirable thing... 4260, 4261. machmad. 4262 . desire, desirable thing. Transliteration: machmad Phonetic Spelling: (makh-mawd') Short Definition: desire. ... /hebrew/4261.htm - 6k 4262. machmud -- a desirable or precious thing 2531. chemed -- desire, delight 2532. chemdah -- desire, delight 339. i -- coast, region 2656. chephets -- delight, pleasure 8378. taavah -- a desire 2530. chamad -- to desire, take pleasure in Library Whether Oaths are Desirable and to be Used Frequently as Something ... It is Very Desirable that Parents Should Encourage the Desire for ... Whether it was Desirable that the Roman Empire Should be Increased ... The Song of Simeon; Or, Death Made Desirable. Luke 2:27Ff The Fifteenth Chapter: How one Should Feel and Speak on Every ... The Song of Simeon; Or, Death Made Desirable, Luke 2 27 &C. Of the Social Life, Which, Though Most Desirable, is Frequently ... The Philanthropy of the Instructor. What is Meant by "Altogether Lovely" Psalm XXXV. Thesaurus Desirable (49 Occurrences)... (vt) Worthy of desire or longing; fitted to excite desire or a wish to possess; pleasing; agreeable. Multi-Version Concordance Desirable (49 Occurrences). ... /d/desirable.htm - 21k Good (8348 Occurrences) Prefects (18 Occurrences) Desire (565 Occurrences) Mounted (32 Occurrences) Riding (30 Occurrences) All (60349 Occurrences) Governors (43 Occurrences) Well (2882 Occurrences) Desirableness (2 Occurrences) Resources Was the forbidden fruit an apple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.org How can I control sinful impulses? | GotQuestions.org Desirable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Desirable (49 Occurrences)Acts 6:2 Acts 20:16 Genesis 2:9 Genesis 3:6 Genesis 27:15 1 Samuel 9:20 1 Kings 20:6 2 Chronicles 32:27 2 Chronicles 36:10 2 Chronicles 36:19 Ezra 8:27 Job 6:30 Job 20:20 Job 33:20 Psalms 19:10 Psalms 106:24 Proverbs 8:11 Proverbs 19:22 Proverbs 21:20 Proverbs 22:1 Song of Songs 5:16 Isaiah 2:16 Isaiah 27:2 Isaiah 44:9 Isaiah 58:5 Isaiah 64:11 Jeremiah 3:19 Jeremiah 12:10 Jeremiah 25:34 Lamentations 1:7 Lamentations 1:10 Lamentations 1:11 Lamentations 2:4 Ezekiel 23:6 Ezekiel 23:12 Ezekiel 23:23 Ezekiel 26:12 Daniel 10:3 Daniel 11:8 Daniel 11:16 Daniel 11:38 Daniel 11:41 Daniel 11:43 Daniel 11:45 Hosea 13:15 Joel 3:5 Amos 5:11 Nahum 2:9 Zechariah 7:14 Subtopics Related Terms |