Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about desire?” with specific Bible references.
Have you ever asked yourself the question “What does the Bible say about desire?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes desire in different contexts.
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines desire as “An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected; a passion excited by the love of an object, or uneasiness at the want of it, and directed to its attainment or possession.”
Now armed with a basic definition of desire, Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource which captures all notable mentions of the word desire, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about desire, scroll on for additional detail.
Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about desire and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.
What Does the Bible Say About Desire?
Proverbs 24:1
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.”
1 Timothy 3:1
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”
Romans 10:1
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”
1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Proverbs 11:23
“The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.”
Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Psalms 145:19
“He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.”
Luke 20:46
“Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;”
Colossians 1:9
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”
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