63 Bible Verses about desires
Most Relevant Verses
Whom have I in heaven but thee? There is nothing upon earth, that I desire in comparison of thee.
{To the Chanter, a Psalm of David} Like as the hart desireth the water brooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea even for the living God; when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
And unto the woman he said, "I will surely increase thy sorrow and make thee oft with child, and with pain shalt thou be delivered: And thy lusts shall pertain unto thy husband and he shall rule thee."
{A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah} O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee. My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh also longeth after thee, in a barren and dry land where no water is. Thus do I look for thee in thy Sanctuary, that I might behold thy power and glory. For thy loving-kindness is better than life itself; my lips shall praise thee.read more.
As long as I live will I magnify thee and lift up my hands in thy name. My soul is satisfied, even as it were with marrow and fatness, when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips. Have I not remembered thee in my bed, and thought upon thee when I was waking? For thou hast been my helper, and under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hangeth upon thee; thy righthand upholdeth me.
The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton, to the dishonour of Christ, then will they marry,
I stretch forth my hands unto thee; my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land. Selah.
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a wife lusting after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Therefore, LORD, we have a respect unto the way of thy judgments; thy name and thy remembrance rejoice the soul. My soul lusteth after thee all the night long, and my mind hasteth freely to thee. For as soon as thy judgment is known to the world, then the inhabiters of the earth learn righteousness.
'Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbour's wife: thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, field, servant, maid, ox, ass nor ought that is thy neighbour's.'
that I should fulfill thy will, O my God. I am content to do it; yea, thy law is within my heart."
For this cause, God gave them up unto shameful lusts. For even their women did change the natural use unto the unnatural.
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house: neither shalt covet thy neighbor's wife, his manservant, his maid, his ox, his ass or ought that is his."
The righteousness of the just shall deliver them; but the despisers shall be taken in their own ungodliness.
For this is the will of God, even that ye should be holy, and that ye should abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how to keep his vessel in holiness and honour,
For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time that is past of the life, after the will of the gentiles; walking in wantonness, lusts, drunkenness, in eating, drinking, and in abominable idolatry.
Wherefore God, likewise, gave them up unto their hearts' lusts, unto uncleanness to defile their own bodies between themselves:
A good name is more worth than great riches; and loving favour is better than silver and gold.
For when they have spoken the swelling words of vanity, they beguile with wantonness through the lusts of the flesh them that were clean escaped: but now are wrapped in errors.
Pray for us. We have confidence because we have a good conscience in all things, and desire to live honestly.
But sin took an occasion by the means of the commandment, and wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For verily, without the law sin was dead.
Wherefore if ye had wist, what this saying meaneth, 'I require mercy and not sacrifice,' ye would never have condemned innocents.
They that will be rich, fall into temptation and snares, and into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition and destruction. For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, they erred from the faith, and tangled themselves with many sorrows.
And the same night God appeared unto Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give thee." And Solomon said unto God, "Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me king in his stead. And now LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be true. For thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.read more.
Wherefore give me wisdom and knowledge how to behave myself unto this people: for who is able to judge this people that is so great?" Then God said to Solomon, "Because thou hadst this in thine heart, and didst not ask treasure and riches, and honour and the lives of thine enemies, neither yet long life; But hast asked wisdom and knowledge, to judge my people, over which I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge shall be given thee, and I will give thee treasure, riches, and glory also, that among the kings before thee or after thee, none was or shall be like thee."
For I have pleasure in loving-kindness, and not in offering: Yea in the knowledge of God, more than in burnt sacrifice.
And in Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, "Ask what I shall give thee." And Solomon said, "Thou hast showed unto thy servant David, my father, great mercy; according as he walked before thee in truth and in righteousness and plainness of heart with thee. And thou hast kept for him this great mercy, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his seat: as it is come to pass this day. And now LORD, my God, it is thou that hast made thy servant king instead of David my father. And I am a young lad and know not how to order myself.read more.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a people that are so many that they can not be told nor numbered for multitude. Give therefore unto thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, and to discern between good, and bad. For who is able to judge this, thy so weighty a people?" And it pleased the LORD well, that Solomon had desired this thing. Wherefore God said unto him, "Because thou hast asked this thing and hast not asked long life, neither hast asked riches, nor the lives of thine enemies, but hast asked the discretion to understand equity: see, I have done according to thy petition. And behold, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And thereto I have given thee that thou askedst not, both riches and honour: so that there shall be no king like thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep mine ordinances and commandments as David thy father did walk, I will lengthen thy days also."
Let no man say when he is tempted that he is tempted of God: for God tempteth not unto evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, drawn away, and enticed of his own concupiscence. Then when lust hath conceived, she bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death.
Go and learn, what that meaneth: 'I have pleasure in mercy, and not in offering.' For I am not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance."
This first understand: that there shall come in the last days mockers, which will walk after their own lusts
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men indifferently and casteth no man in the teeth; and it shall be given him.
among which we also had our conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the will of the flesh, and of the mind: and were naturally the children of wrath, even as well as others.
Labour for love, and covet spiritual gifts: and most chiefly for to prophesy. For he that speaketh with tongues speaketh not unto men, but unto God. For no man heareth him: Howbeit, in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men, to edifying, to exhortation, and to comfort.read more.
He that speaketh with tongues, profiteth himself: he that prophesieth, edifieth the congregation. I would that ye all spake with tongues: but rather that ye prophesied. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he expound it also, that the congregation may have edifying.
"'I hate and abhor your holidays, and whereas ye cense me when ye come together I will not accept it. And though ye offer me burnt offerings and meat offerings, yet have I no pleasure therein. As for your fat thank offerings, I will not look upon them. Away with that noise of thy songs, I will not hear thy plays of music:read more.
but see that equity flow as the water, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
namely, them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise the rulers. Presumptuous are they, and stubborn, and fear not to speak evil of them that are in authority;
Ye are the body of Christ, and members one of another. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles; after that, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all doers of miracles?read more.
Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
Jesus said unto her, "Woman, believe me; The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship. For salvation cometh of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit, and in truth. For verily, such the father requireth to worship him.read more.
God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit, and truth."
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not have: but a body hast thou ordained me. In sacrifices and sin offerings thou hast no lust. Then I said, 'Lo I come.' In the chiefest of the book it is written of me, that I should do thy will, o God."read more.
Above when he had said, "sacrifice, and offering, and burnt sacrifices, and sin offerings thou wouldest not have, neither hast allowed" - which yet are offered by the law - And then he said, "Lo I am come to do thy will o God." He taketh away the first to establish the latter. By the which will we are sanctified, by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest is ready daily ministering, and often times offereth one manner of offering, which can never take away sins: but this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, sat him down for ever on the righthand of God, and from henceforth tarrieth till his foes be made his footstool. For with one offering hath he made perfect forever them that are sanctified.
This is a true saying: If a man covet the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the appetites and lusts.
For they that are carnal, are carnally minded; But they that are spiritual are spiritually minded. To be carnally minded is death; But to be spiritually minded is life, and peace: because that the fleshly mind is enmity against God: For it is not obedient to the law of God, neither can be.read more.
So then, they that are given to the flesh, cannot please God. But ye are not given to the flesh; But to the spirit: If so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. If there be any man that hath not the spirit of Christ, the same is none of his. If Christ be in you: the body is dead, because of sin; But the spirit is life for righteousness' sake. Wherefore, if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from death, dwell in you: even he that raised up Christ from death, shall quicken your mortal bodies, because that this spirit dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are now debtors; not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die. But if ye mortify the deeds of the body, by the help of the spirit, ye shall live, for as many as are led by the spirit of God: they are the sons of God.
Sacrifice and meat-offering thou wouldest not, but mine ears hast thou opened. Burnt-offerings and sacrifice for sin hast thou not required. Then said I, "Lo, I come. In the beginning of the book it is written of me, that I should fulfill thy will, O my God. I am content to do it; yea, thy law is within my heart."
But lo, thou hast a pleasure in the truth, and hast showed me secret wisdom.
This also we know, I mean the season: how that it is time that we should now awake out of sleep. For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is past and the day is come nigh. Let us therefore cast away the deeds of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly as it were in the daylight: not in eating and drinking: neither in chambering and wantonness: neither in strife and envying:read more.
but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. And make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of it.
Wherefore, dear brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not that which is righteous before God.
so then, as concerning the conversation in time past, lay from you that old man, which is corrupt through the deceivable lusts, and be ye renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness.
Blessed be the LORD thy God which had lust to thee, to make thee king on his seat, unto the LORD thy God. Because thy God loved Israel, to make them continue ever, therefore made he the king over them to do right and equity."
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is worshipping of idols:
For the LORD hath chosen Zion, to be a habitation for himself; he hath longed for her.
Lusts of youth avoid, and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with them that call on the Lord with pure heart.
as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves unto your old lusts of ignorance: But as he which called you is holy, even so be ye holy in all manner of conversation,
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers, and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which fight against the soul,
Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he which suffereth in the flesh ceaseth from sin, that he henceforward should live as much time as remaineth in the flesh, not after the lusts of men: but after the will of God. For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time that is past of the life, after the will of the gentiles; walking in wantonness, lusts, drunkenness, in eating, drinking, and in abominable idolatry.read more.
And it seemeth to them a strange thing that ye run not also with them unto the same excess of riot, and therefore speak they evil of you, which shall give accounts to him that is ready to judge quick and dead.
I say, walk in the spirit, and fulfil not the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the spirit contrary to the flesh. These are contrary one to the other, so that ye cannot do that which ye would.
For I know that in me, that is to say, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing. To will is present with me: but I find no means to perform that which is good.
From whence cometh war, and fighting among you? Come they not here hence, even of your voluptuousness that raineth in your members?
From Thematic Bible
Communion with God » Saints » Desires
{To the Chanter, a Psalm of David} Like as the hart desireth the water brooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
I am constrained of two things. I desire to be loosed, and to be with Christ, which thing is best of all:
Desires » Select readings, psalms 42; 84 ps 42; 84 » General references to
One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit his temple.
My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire that it hath always unto thy judgments.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? There is nothing upon earth, that I desire in comparison of thee.
My soul lusteth after thee all the night long, and my mind hasteth freely to thee. For as soon as thy judgment is known to the world, then the inhabiters of the earth learn righteousness.
and as newborn babes desire that reasonable milk which is without corruption, that ye may be grown therein.
Desires » Evil
Like as the wine deceiveth the drunkard, even so the proud shall fail and not endure. He openeth his desire wide up as the hell, and is as insatiable as death. All Heathen gathereth he to him, and heapeth unto him all people."
among which we also had our conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the will of the flesh, and of the mind: and were naturally the children of wrath, even as well as others.
And the rascal people that was among them fell a lusting. And the children of Israel also went to, and wept, and said, "Who shall give us flesh to eat?
The soul of the ungodly wisheth evil; and hath no pity upon his neighbour.
This generation which is like a horse-leech, hath two daughters; the one is called "fetch hither," and the other "bring hither."
Desires » What the lord desires
Then said Samuel, "Hath the LORD as great pleasure in burnt sacrifices and offerings, as he hath that thou shouldest obey his voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to give heed is better than the fat of rams.
For I have pleasure in loving-kindness, and not in offering: Yea in the knowledge of God, more than in burnt sacrifice.
"Lo, thus worketh God always with man, that he keepeth his soul from perishing, and letteth him enjoy the light of the living. Mark well, O Job, and hear me: hold thee still until I have spoken. read more.
But if thou hast anything to say, then answer me, and speak, for thy answer pleaseth me.
For the LORD hath chosen Zion, to be a habitation for himself; he hath longed for her. "This shall be my rest; here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.
When Jesus heard that, he said unto them, "The whole need not the physician, but they that are sick. Go and learn, what that meaneth: 'I have pleasure in mercy, and not in offering.' For I am not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance."
Desires » Select readings, psalms 42; 84 ps 42; 84 » For companionship
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me unto Nicopolis. For I have determined there to winter.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to wax sorrowful and to be in agony.
Make speed to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
For he longed after you, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard say that he should be sick,
Desires » What the lord does not desire
Then said Samuel, "Hath the LORD as great pleasure in burnt sacrifices and offerings, as he hath that thou shouldest obey his voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to give heed is better than the fat of rams.
For I have pleasure in loving-kindness, and not in offering: Yea in the knowledge of God, more than in burnt sacrifice.
When Jesus heard that, he said unto them, "The whole need not the physician, but they that are sick. Go and learn, what that meaneth: 'I have pleasure in mercy, and not in offering.' For I am not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance."
O LORD my God, great are the wondrous works which thou hast done, like as be also thy thoughts, which are to us-ward; and yet there is no man that ordereth them unto thee. If I should declare them, and speak of them, they should be more than I am able to express. Sacrifice and meat-offering thou wouldest not, but mine ears hast thou opened. Burnt-offerings and sacrifice for sin hast thou not required.
For the law - which hath but the shadow of good things to come, and not the things in their own fashion - can never with the sacrifices which they offer year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For would not then those sacrifices have ceased to have been offered? Because that the offerers, once purged, should have had no more consciences of sins. Nevertheless, in those sacrifices is there mention made of sins every year. read more.
For it is impossible that the blood of oxen, and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not have: but a body hast thou ordained me. In sacrifices and sin offerings thou hast no lust. Then I said, 'Lo I come.' In the chiefest of the book it is written of me, that I should do thy will, o God." Above when he had said, "sacrifice, and offering, and burnt sacrifices, and sin offerings thou wouldest not have, neither hast allowed" - which yet are offered by the law - And then he said, "Lo I am come to do thy will o God." He taketh away the first to establish the latter.
Desires » Select readings, psalms 42; 84 ps 42; 84 » Spiritual thirst, examples of
{A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah} O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee. My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh also longeth after thee, in a barren and dry land where no water is.
My soul is athirst for God, yea even for the living God; when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
I stretch forth my hands unto thee; my soul gaspeth unto thee as a thirsty land. Selah.
"Behold, the time cometh," sayeth the LORD God, "that I shall send a hunger into the earth. Not the hunger of bread, nor the thirst of water: but a hunger to hear the word of the LORD.
Desires » General references to
And unto the woman he said, "I will surely increase thy sorrow and make thee oft with child, and with pain shalt thou be delivered: And thy lusts shall pertain unto thy husband and he shall rule thee."
And then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came unto him, saying, "Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we desire."
Thou openest thine hand, and fillest all things living with plenteousness.
Hope deferred grieveth the heart; but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Desires » What to desire
Labour for love, and covet spiritual gifts: and most chiefly for to prophesy.
Ye are the body of Christ, and members one of another. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles; after that, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all doers of miracles? read more.
Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
and as newborn babes desire that reasonable milk which is without corruption, that ye may be grown therein. If so be that ye have tasted how pleasant the Lord is,
Desires » What not to desire
Be not thou jealous over wicked men, and desire not thou to be among them. For their heart imagineth to do hurt, and their lips talk of mischief.
When thou sittest at the table to eat with a lord, order thyself mannerly with the things that are set before thee. Measure thine appetite: and if thou wilt rule thy own self, be not over greedy of his meat, for meat beguileth and deceiveth. read more.
Take not over great travail and labour to be rich, beware of such a purpose. Why wilt thou set thine eye upon the thing, which suddenly vanisheth away? For riches make themselves wings, and take their flight like an Eagle into the air. Eat not thou with the envious, and desire not his meat, for he doth as a man that pescribeth a measure in his heart. He sayeth unto thee, "Eat and drink," whereas his heart is not with thee. Yea the morsels that thou hast eaten shalt thou parbreak and loose those sweet words.
Let us not be vainglorious, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Desires » Desiring the lord
Whom have I in heaven but thee? There is nothing upon earth, that I desire in comparison of thee. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.
Therefore, LORD, we have a respect unto the way of thy judgments; thy name and thy remembrance rejoice the soul. My soul lusteth after thee all the night long, and my mind hasteth freely to thee. For as soon as thy judgment is known to the world, then the inhabiters of the earth learn righteousness.
Desires » Who desires
A slothful body will not go to plow, for cold of the winter; therefore shall he go a begging in Summer and have nothing.
The sluggard would fain have, and cannot get his desire; but the soul of the diligent shall have plenty.
Desires » Who shall have their desires fulfilled by the lord
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, yea, all such as call upon him faithfully. He fulfilleth the desire of them that fear him; he heareth their cry, and helpeth them.
Desires » The desire of the righteous
The thing that the ungodly are afraid of, shall come upon them; but the righteous shall have their desire.
The desire of the righteous is acceptable; but the hope of the ungodly is indignation.
Desires » Who desires evil
The desire of the ungodly hunteth after mischief; but the root of the righteous bringeth forth fruit.
The soul of the ungodly wisheth evil; and hath no pity upon his neighbour.
Desires » The wandering of the desire
The sight of the eyes is better, then that the soul should so depart away. Howbeit, this is also a vain thing and a disquietness of mind.
Desires » Evil concupiscence
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is worshipping of idols: for which thing's sakes the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief.
Desires » The time when the desire comes
Hope deferred grieveth the heart; but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Desires » The desire of the slothful
The voluptuousness of the slothful is his own death, for his hands will not labour.
Desires » The desire accomplished
When a desire is brought to pass, it delighteth the soul; but fools count it abomination to depart from evil.
Desires » The desire of a man
It is a man's worship to do good; and better it is to be a poor man, than a dissembler.
Desires » The desire of the wicked
The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away, and the desire of the ungodly shall perish.
Desires » Who does not desire God
"Wherefore do wicked men live in health and prosperity, come to their old age, and increase in riches? Their children's children live in their sight, and their generation before their eyes. Their houses are safe from all fear, for the rod of God doth not smite them. read more.
Their bullock gendereth, and that not out of time: their cow calveth, and is not unfruitful. They send forth their children by flocks, and their sons lead the dance. They bear with them tabrets and harps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure. They spend their days in wealthiness: but suddenly, they go down to hell. They say unto God, 'Go from us: we desire not the knowledge of thy ways! What manner of fellow is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, to submit ourselves unto him?'
Evil » Results of » Desires
Like as the wine deceiveth the drunkard, even so the proud shall fail and not endure. He openeth his desire wide up as the hell, and is as insatiable as death. All Heathen gathereth he to him, and heapeth unto him all people."
among which we also had our conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the will of the flesh, and of the mind: and were naturally the children of wrath, even as well as others.
And the rascal people that was among them fell a lusting. And the children of Israel also went to, and wept, and said, "Who shall give us flesh to eat?
The soul of the ungodly wisheth evil; and hath no pity upon his neighbour.
This generation which is like a horse-leech, hath two daughters; the one is called "fetch hither," and the other "bring hither."
Topics on Desires
Desires Of The Heart
Acts 7:39to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
Evil Desires
2 Timothy 2:22Lusts of youth avoid, and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with them that call on the Lord with pure heart.
God's Desires
Psalm 51:6But lo, thou hast a pleasure in the truth, and hast showed me secret wisdom.
Imagination, Inward Desires
Proverbs 4:23Keep thine heart with all diligence, for thereupon hangeth life.
Spiritual Desires
Isaiah 26:9My soul lusteth after thee all the night long, and my mind hasteth freely to thee. For as soon as thy judgment is known to the world, then the inhabiters of the earth learn righteousness.