Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "pleasures" often refer to experiences or activities that bring enjoyment or satisfaction. The Bible addresses the concept of pleasure in various ways, acknowledging both its potential benefits and its dangers when pursued outside the boundaries of God's will.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently discusses pleasures in the context of human desires and the pursuit of satisfaction. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the futility of seeking pleasure as an end in itself: "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!' But it proved to be futile" (
Ecclesiastes 2:1). This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly pleasures and the ultimate emptiness they can bring when disconnected from a relationship with God.
The Psalms also touch on the theme of pleasure, often contrasting the fleeting pleasures of the wicked with the enduring joy found in God.
Psalm 16:11 states, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand" . Here, the psalmist emphasizes that true and lasting pleasure is found in the presence of God.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, the pursuit of pleasure is often linked to the desires of the flesh and the dangers of living according to worldly values. The Apostle Paul warns against such pursuits in his letters. In
2 Timothy 3:4, he describes people in the last days as "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" . This warning serves as a reminder of the potential for pleasure to become an idol, drawing individuals away from their devotion to God.
James also addresses the issue of pleasure in the context of conflict and sin: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask" (
James 4:1-2). This passage highlights how the pursuit of selfish pleasures can lead to strife and discord.
The Role of Pleasure in the Christian LifeWhile the Bible warns against the dangers of hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake, it does not condemn pleasure itself. Instead, it calls believers to find their ultimate joy and satisfaction in God. The enjoyment of God's creation, relationships, and the blessings of life are seen as gifts from God to be received with gratitude and used for His glory.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to focus on what is good and praiseworthy: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things" (
Philippians 4:8). This exhortation suggests that pleasure, when aligned with God's will and purpose, can be a positive and enriching part of the Christian life.
ConclusionThe Bible presents a balanced view of pleasure, recognizing its potential for both good and harm. While earthly pleasures can be fleeting and deceptive, true and lasting joy is found in a relationship with God and in living according to His purposes. Believers are called to discernment, ensuring that their pursuit of pleasure aligns with their commitment to God and His kingdom.
Greek
2237. hedone -- pleasure... [2237 is the root of the English terms, "," ". Word Origin from hedomai (to enjoy
oneself) Definition pleasure NASB Word Usage pleasure (1),
pleasures (4).
...619. apolausis -- enjoyment
... Word Origin from apolauo (to take of, enjoy) Definition enjoyment NASB
Word Usage enjoy (1), enjoy thepleasures (1). enjoyment....
Strong's Hebrew
5719. adin -- voluptuous... 1). given to
pleasures. From adan; voluptuous -- given to
pleasures. see
HEBREW adan. 5718, 5719. adin. 5720 . Strong's Numbers.
5273a. naim -- pleasant, delightful
... Word Origin from naem Definition pleasant, delightful NASB Word Usage compliments*
(1), lovely (1), pleasant (7),pleasures (2). 5273, 5273a. naim. 5273b ....
8588. taanug -- daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight
... Word Origin from anog Definition daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight NASB Word
Usage charms (1), delight (1), luxury (1), pleasant (1),pleasures (1)....
Library
ConcerningPleasures.
... Book II. Chapter XIII."ConcerningPleasures. There arepleasures of the
soul andpleasures of the body. Thepleasures of the soul...
Whether Desires forPleasures of Touch are the Matter of...
... OF CONTINENCE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether desires forpleasures of touch are
the matter of continence? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Whether Temperance is Only About Desires andPleasures of Touch?
... OF TEMPERANCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether temperance is only about desires
andpleasures of touch? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Whether Temperance is About thePleasures Proper to the Taste?
... OF TEMPERANCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether temperance is about thepleasures proper
to the taste? Objection 1: It would seem that temperance...
Whether thePleasures of Touch are Greater than thePleasures...
... OF DELIGHT CONSIDERED IN ITSELF [*Or, Pleasure] (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether thepleasures
of touch are greater than thepleasures afforded by the other senses?...
TruePleasures.
... IV. COMFORT. Hymn 49 Truepleasures. William Cowper 7,6,7,6,7,7,7,6. Truepleasures.
Lord my soul with pleasure springs,. When Jesus' name I hear;...
Whether Bodily and SensiblePleasures are Greater than Spiritual...
... OF DELIGHT CONSIDERED IN ITSELF [*Or, Pleasure] (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether bodily
and sensiblepleasures are greater than spiritual and intellectualpleasures?...
Of thePleasures of Taste and Smell.
... the divine institutes Book VI. Of True Worship. Chap. XXII."Of thePleasures
of Taste and Smell. But with regard to thepleasures...
Pleasures of the Glorified Senses.
... CHAPTER X.PLEASURES OF THE GLORIFIED SENSES.... Thesepleasures, as well as those
of the Beatific Vision, are certainly beyond our comprehension....
ThePleasures of a Good Conscience.
... Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:57. Thepleasures of a good conscience.
1 Lord, how secure and bless'd are they Who feel the joys of pardon'd sin!...
Thesaurus
Pleasures (18 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pleasures (18 Occurrences). Mark 7:21 Because from inside,
from the heart of men, come evil thoughts and unclean
pleasures, (BBE).
...Lust (42 Occurrences)
... (2) Hedone, delight in sensuality, hence, wickedpleasures; translated in James
4:1, 3 "pleasures": "Yourpleasures that war in your members"; "Ye ask amiss...
Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... course. And in this larger outlook, thepleasures of the mind came to
occupy a larger place than thepleasures of the body. For...
Waters (386 Occurrences)
... as streams of water in a dry place" (Isaiah 32:2); of peace, "He leadeth me beside
still waters" (Psalm 23:2); of legitimatepleasures, "waters out of thine...
Makest (68 Occurrences)
... Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy;
In thy right hand there arepleasures for evermore. (See JPS)....
Various (52 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various
lusts andpleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another...
Passions (26 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:3 For in the past we were foolish, hard in heart, turned from the true way,
servants of evil desires andpleasures, living in bad feeling and envy...
Spend (54 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). James 4:3 You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong
motives, so that you may spend it for yourpleasures. (WEB ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Pleasure (331 Occurrences)
... and American) "as seemed good to them"); hedone, "sweetness," "pleasure," occurs
in Luke 8:14 Titus 3:3 2 Peter 2:13 (referring to the lowerpleasures of life...
Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). James 4:1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't
they come from yourpleasures that war in your members? (See NAS NIV)....
Resources
Is God a cosmic killjoy? | GotQuestions.orgIs God opposed to pleasure? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “you have not because you ask not” in James 4:2? | GotQuestions.orgPleasures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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