Topical Encyclopedia
Craving, in a biblical context, refers to an intense desire or longing, often for something that is not aligned with God's will. The Bible addresses cravings in various forms, highlighting both physical and spiritual dimensions. Cravings can lead individuals away from a righteous path, emphasizing the need for self-control and reliance on God.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, cravings are often associated with the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. One notable instance is found in
Numbers 11:4-6, where the Israelites express a strong craving for the foods they had in Egypt, despite God's provision of manna: "The rabble among them had a strong craving, and the Israelites wept again and said, 'Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!'" . This passage illustrates how cravings can lead to discontent and ingratitude towards God's provision.
New Testament InsightsThe New Testament further explores the concept of cravings, particularly in the context of spiritual desires. In 1
John 2:16, the apostle John warns against worldly cravings: "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world" . Here, cravings are linked to the sinful nature and the temptations that can draw believers away from God.
The apostle Paul also addresses cravings in his letters. In
Galatians 5:16-17, he contrasts the desires of the flesh with the desires of the Spirit: "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. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want" . Paul emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit to overcome fleshly cravings.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, cravings are often seen as manifestations of the fallen human nature. They can lead to sin when they become more important than obedience to God. The Bible encourages believers to exercise self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23), to resist unhealthy cravings and align their desires with God's will.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are called to examine their cravings and desires, ensuring they do not become idols or lead to sinful behavior. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and accountability within the Christian community are practical ways to address and overcome cravings. By seeking God's guidance and strength, believers can cultivate a heart that desires what is good and pleasing to Him.
ConclusionWhile cravings are a natural part of human experience, the Bible provides guidance on how to manage them in a way that honors God. By understanding the nature of cravings and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate their desires and live a life that reflects their faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A vehement or urgent desire; longing for; beseeching.
Greek
3105. mainomai -- to rage, be mad... be beside oneself, rage. Middle voice from a primary mao (to long for; through the
idea of insensate
craving); to rave as a "maniac" -- be beside self (mad).
...Strong's Hebrew
183. avah -- to incline, desire... Word Origin from an unused word Definition to incline, desire NASB Word Usage been
greedy (1), crave (1), craved (1), craves (1),
craving (1), desire (8
...1942. havvah -- desire, chasm, destruction
... Word Origin from havah Definition desire, chasm, destruction NASB Word Usage calamities
(1), calamity (1),craving (1), deadly (1), desire (2), destruction (8...
Library
Whether theCraving for Unity is a Cause of Sorrow?
... OF THE CAUSES OF SORROW OR PAIN (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether thecraving for
unity is a cause of sorrow? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Moral Depravity.
... food. So the presence of any object could be no inducement to sin, were
there not a constitutional appetency orcraving for sin....
Regeneration.
... the sensibility. Moral depravity, according to this school, consists in
a constitutional relish, taste, orcraving for sin. They...
Whether Concupiscence is in the Sensitive Appetite Only?
... i, 11), "concupiscence is acraving for that which is pleasant." Now pleasure is
twofold, as we shall state later on ([1252]Q[31], AA[3],4): one is in the...
Of an Eternal Hunger for God
... Here there begins an eternal hunger, which shall never more be satisfied; it is
an inwardcraving and hankering of the loving power and the created spirit...
How We, Though one with God, must Eternally Remain Other than God
... And in that same moment in which we feel that God would be wholly ours, there arises
within us a gaping and eagercraving which is so hungry and so deep and so...
Second Sermon for Epiphany
... And by this act of arising, the ground of the soul is stirred, and a strongcraving
springs up in it; and the more this deepest ground of the soul is laid bare...
Absolution.
... The negation we have got"the vehement denial; we are weary of its reiteration: but
the positive truth which lies at the bottom of thiscraving"where is that...
Mrs. Hsi's Gift
... Even his intensecraving for opium was gone, the Confucian writings which had been
his constant companion were now neglected, and in spite of her entreaties...
The Genius and Character of the Antichrist
... He knows how to gratify thecraving for knowledge and how to satisfy the taste for
refinement and culture, he can delight the ear with melodious music and the...
Thesaurus
Craving (19 Occurrences)...Craving (19 Occurrences).
... 2 Peter 2:10 and especially those who are abandoned to
sensuality--
craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control.
...Thirst (40 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A sensation of dryness in the throat associated with acraving for liquids,
produced by deprivation of drink, or by some other cause (as fear...
Lust (42 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Longing desire; eagerness to possess or enjoy; -- in a had sense; as,
the lust of gain. 4. (n.) Licentiouscraving; sexual appetite....
Craved (6 Occurrences)
... people who lusted. (See NIV). Psalms 78:18 And they tried God in their heart
by asking food for theircraving. (See RSV NIV). Psalms 78...
Cravings (17 Occurrences)
Hunger (52 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An uneasy sensation occasioned normally by the
want of food; acraving or desire for food. 2. (n.) Any strong eager desire....
Long (2810 Occurrences)
... 17. (v.) To feel a strong or morbid desire orcraving; to wish for something with
eagerness; -- followed by an infinitive, or by after or for. 18....
Longing (40 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Long. 2. (n.) An eager desire; acraving; a morbid appetite; an earnest
wish; an aspiration. Multi-Version Concordance Longing (40 Occurrences)....
Wasteland (19 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 106:14 but gave in tocraving in the desert, and tested God in
the wasteland. (WEB NIV). Isaiah 5:6 I will lay it a wasteland....
Wanton (20 Occurrences)
... from you." (See RSV). Psalms 106:14 but gave in tocraving in the desert,
and tested God in the wasteland. (See RSV). Proverbs 9:13...
Resources
What is lust? What does the Bible have to say about lust? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Four Noble Truths? | GotQuestions.orgCan a person be born gay? | GotQuestions.orgCraving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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