"pleasure, gratification; esp. sensual pleasure, Lk. 8:14; Tit. 3:3; Jas. 4:3; 2 Pet. 2:13; a passion, Jas. 4:1*"
Definition and meaning
pleasure, gratification; esp. sensual pleasure, Lk. 8:14; Tit. 3:3; Jas. 4:3; 2 Pet. 2:13; a passion, Jas. 4:1*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἡδονή
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of hedone (G2237) across the King James Bible.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
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Common questions
Strong's G2237 (hedone) is a Greek word that means: pleasure, gratification; esp. sensual pleasure, Lk. 8:14; Tit. 3:3; Jas. 4:3; 2 Pet. 2:13; a passion, Jas. 4:1* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word hedone (G2237) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2237 is hedone, a Greek word defined as: pleasure, gratification; esp. sensual pleasure, Lk. 8:14; Tit. 3:3; Jas. 4:3; 2 Pet. 2:13; a passion, Jas. 4:1*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hedone is a Greek word found in the New Testament.