epithymía

Epithymia is a Greek word that translates to desire, longing, or yearning. It is a multifaceted term with significant philosophical and theological implications, particularly within the context of ancient Greek thought and early Christian writings. In its most general sense, epithymia refers to a strong emotional drive or a passionate wish for something.

The concept of epithymia appears in the works of Plato, where it is often associated with bodily appetites and the lower desires of the soul. For Plato, epithymia could be a powerful force that, if not properly governed by reason, could lead an individual astray from the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. He distinguished it from other forms of desire, such as thymos (spirit or anger) and nous (reason).

In Christian theology, epithymia is frequently used to describe carnal desires or lustful inclinations, often in a negative light, as something to be resisted or overcome. The New Testament uses the term in passages that warn against worldly desires and the temptations of the flesh. However, the interpretation of epithymia can also encompass a more neutral or even positive sense of intense longing for spiritual things, such as a deep desire for God or for righteousness. The precise meaning often depends on the specific context in which the word is used.