In the context of the Bible, "lusted" refers to a strong, often overwhelming desire or craving, typically for something that is forbidden or sinful. The term is frequently associated with sexual immorality but can also pertain to other forms of covetousness or idolatry. The concept of lust is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting its spiritual dangers and the moral imperative to resist such desires.

Old Testament Context

The Hebrew word often translated as "lust" is "ta'avah," which denotes a longing or craving. One of the most notable instances of lust in the Old Testament is found in the narrative of the Israelites in the wilderness. In Numbers 11:4, the Israelites "lusted" after the food they had in Egypt, expressing dissatisfaction with God's provision of manna: "Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat?'" . This incident underscores how lust can lead to ingratitude and rebellion against God.

Another significant example is King David's lust for Bathsheba, which led to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). David's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of unchecked desires and the far-reaching consequences of sin.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "epithumia" is commonly used to describe lust. Jesus addresses the issue of lust in the Sermon on the Mount, equating lustful thoughts with the act of adultery: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). This teaching emphasizes the importance of inner purity and the need to guard one's thoughts.

The Apostle Paul frequently warns against lust in his epistles, urging believers to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. In Galatians 5:16-17, he writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh" . Paul identifies lust as a work of the flesh that is incompatible with a life led by the Spirit.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Lust is portrayed in the Bible as a sin that can lead to spiritual death if not addressed. James 1:14-15 explains the progression of sin, starting with desire: "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 highlights the importance of recognizing and resisting lustful desires before they manifest into sinful actions.

The Bible encourages believers to pursue holiness and self-control, virtues that stand in opposition to lust. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Paul exhorts the church to avoid sexual immorality and to control their bodies in holiness and honor, "not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God" . This call to sanctification reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to overcome sinful desires.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to take practical steps to combat lust, such as renewing their minds through Scripture, prayer, and accountability within the Christian community. In Philippians 4:8, Paul advises focusing on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, which can help redirect thoughts away from lustful inclinations. Additionally, the practice of fleeing from temptation, as exemplified by Joseph in Genesis 39:12, is a proactive measure to avoid falling into sin.

Ultimately, the biblical teaching on lust serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and reliance on God's grace to live a life that honors Him.(imp. & p. p.) of Lust.5689. agab -- to have inordinate affection, lust
... 5688, 5689. agab. 5690 . to have inordinate affection, lust. Transliteration:
agab Phonetic Spelling: (aw-gab') Short Definition: lusted. Word Origin a prim ...
/hebrew/5689.htm - 6k

But what Shall I Say of the Desires with which it is Written in ...
... But what shall I say of the desires with which it is written in your books, and
contained in your writers, that the holy immortals lusted after women? ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/26 but what shall i.htm

The Conclusion an Examination and Comparison of Each of the Three ...
... Augustine himself, in the definition of sin, when distinguishing between these things,
says, "Sin is every thing which is spoken, done, and lusted or desired ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/the conclusion an examination and.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil
things, as they also lusted.7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

Psalm LI.
... when he was being vexed by his persecutions, when he was fleeing through divers
places, in order that he might not fall into his hands, he lusted not for her ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm li.htm

Psalm CVI.
... 12. Lastly, "And they lusted a lust in the wilderness, and they tempted God
in the dry land" (ver.14). The "dry land," or land without ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvi.htm

A Synopsis of Some Apostolic Words from the Same Discourse.
... Because one cannot lust after those things from which he is not restrained,
and even if he lusted after them, he would not be blamed. ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/ii a synopsis of some.htm

For that Both History of the Old Testament...
... wilderness. But these things were figures of us, [1709] that we be not
lustful of evil things, as they also lusted. Neither let ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 8 for that both.htm

There are Therefore in us Evil Desires, by Consenting not unto ...
... The Apostle shows both, that neither is good here perfected, where evil is so lusted
after, nor evil here perfected, whereas such lust is not obeyed. ...
/.../augustine/on continence/section 20 there are therefore.htm

Answer to the Foregoing Arguments.
... Nay, let us see whether it were not virgins alone whom they lusted after; since
Scriptures saith "the daughters of men;" [8889] inasmuch as it might have named ...
/.../tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxii answer to the foregoing.htm

Manes Said: is not that Word Also to the Same Effect which Jesus ...
... lusts of your father ye will do?" [1706] By this He means, in sooth, that whatever
the wicked prince of this world desired, and whatever he lusted after, he ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/29 manes said is not.htm

Lusted (14 Occurrences)
...Lusted (14 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples,
to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. ...
/l/lusted.htm - 10k

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

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)
... There the people lusted for flesh to eat, and, a great number of quails being sent,
a plague resulted; hence, the name (Numbers 11:34; Numbers 33:16 ...
/k/kibrothhattaavah.htm - 10k

Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... Numbers 11:4 And the rabble who 'are' in its midst have lusted greatly, and the
sons of Israel also turn back and weep, and say, 'Who doth give us flesh? ...
/g/greedy.htm - 13k

Craving (19 Occurrences)
... Numbers 11:4 The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the
children of Israel also wept again, and said, "Who will give us flesh to eat? ...
/c/craving.htm - 11k

Crave (9 Occurrences)
... Crave (9 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to
the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (See NAS) ...
/c/crave.htm - 9k

Craved (6 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent
we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (See NAS). ...
/c/craved.htm - 7k

Vanished (13 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:14 The fruits which your soul lusted after have been lost to you,
and all things that were dainty and sumptuous have perished from you, and you ...
/v/vanished.htm - 10k

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)
... There the people lusted for flesh to eat, and, a great number of quails being sent,
a plague resulted; hence, the name (Numbers 11:34; Numbers 33:16 ...
/k/kibroth-hattaavah.htm - 10k

Kib'roth-hatta'avah (5 Occurrences)
... Kib'roth-hatta'avah (5 Occurrences). Numbers 11:34 And the name of that place was
called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people that lusted. ...
/k/kib'roth-hatta'avah.htm - 7k

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

Is it a sin to look at a woman's body? | GotQuestions.org

Who are Oholah and Oholibah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Lusted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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