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G3715 · Greek · New Testament
ὄρεξις
órexis
Noun, feminine
Desire, Appetite, Longing

Definition

Orexis (ὄρεξις) means desire, longing, appetite — the reaching out of the soul. Used in Greek philosophy for the appetitive faculty. Appears once in the NT, negatively.

Usage & Theological Significance

Romans 1:27 describes those 'inflamed with lust' — disordered orexis. Paul's point is not primarily about sexuality but about the corruption of all appetite when God is rejected. All desire was created good — for God, beauty, connection, nourishment. Separated from God, desires become consuming and destructive. The gospel restores orexis to proper order: 'Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart' (Psalm 37:4).

Key Bible Verses

Romans 1:27 Men abandoned natural relations and were inflamed with lust for one another.
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Related Words

External Resources

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