To understand one use of this word in scripture, I have chosen the following.
"Do you think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?" James 4:5
ἐπιποθέω
epipotheō
It is pronounced - ep-ee-poth-eh'-o
Definition from the Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary - (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully): - (earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust.
Paul enlightens us as we read in this passage, that just as the scripture says, we are all craving material and living things. That's a fact that I can personally vouch for in my own life experiences.
Paul enlightens us as we read in this passage, that just as the scripture says, we are all craving material and living things. That's a fact that I can personally vouch for in my own life experiences.
But there's another enlightenment in the very next verse that reveals a flip side to the fact that we all crave things in our own spirits. He follows by saying that God gives more grace (χάρις ) than we need to overcome this craving desire for things that other people possess. The word grace refers to graciousness. When this comes from God it brings a divine influence upon the heart of those who receive it, and it's reflection in the life; including gratitude as well as benefit, favour, grace, joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
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