Lust Meaning: We explain what lust is, the origin of the term, and why various religions condemn it. We also explain other deadly sins. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What is lust?
Lust is commonly understood as an exacerbated and uncontrollable desire for sexual pleasures, that is, an uncontrollable and destructive sexual desire. This meaning of the term comes from Judeo-Christian religious morality (and especially Catholicism), according to which it is considered one of the seven deadly sins, that is, the seven primordial sins, contrary to Christian theological virtues.
However, the term comes from the Latin word luxus (“luxury”), used in Ancient Rome to refer to the accumulation of possessions without a sinful meaning. The latter was added by Christianity, which became the official religion of the Roman Empire from the end of the third century onwards. Christianity, like many other religions, but especially the Abrahamic monotheisms (i.e., Judaism and Islam), had a restrictive view of sex. Must Read About Anger Once.
Therefore, we can find in both testaments of the Bible and in the Quran numerous condemnations of both sexual debauchery and “immoral” or “improper” sexual behavior, always associated with lust.
It’s possible that the change in the word’s meaning (from “luxury” to “vicious sex”) had to do with the waste and excess typical of the rich and powerful in Ancient Rome, who often held banquets and feasts where food, sex, and alcohol were freely consumed by the guests.
In any case, the idea of lust as a grave sin was part of the Christian morality that prevailed in Medieval Europe for centuries. In its most puritanical moments, this morality mandated sex without enjoyment and entirely dedicated to procreation, and anything less was considered lustful behavior, which would send the sinner to the second circle of hell (according to Dante Alighieri’s portrayal in his Divine Comedy). Must Read About 👉 Avarice Once.
Other Deadly Sins
Aside from lust, the other six deadly sins were:
- Anger, understood as excessive rage, bitterness, and hatred.
- Gluttony, understood as an excessive fondness for food (and drink).
- Pride, understood as the height of arrogance and believing oneself above God.
- Envy, understood as hatred for the success and happiness of others and the desire to destroy them.
- Greed, understood as excessive attachment to material goods and wealth.
- Sloth, understood as laziness or a complete lack of diligence.
References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, which ensure reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- “Lust” on Wikipedia.
- “Lust” in the Dictionary of the Spanish Language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “The true origin of the term ‘lust’ (and it’s not sexual)” in Moncloa (Spain).
- “Seven Deadly Sins” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
