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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Pleasures</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/pleasures.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/mark/7-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/pleasures.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Pleasures</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/pleasure-making.htm" title="Pleasure-making">◄</a> Pleasures <a href="/topical/p/plebeian.htm" title="Plebeian">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>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 References The 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" (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1</a>). 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. <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a> 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 Insights In 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 <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">2 Timothy 3:4</a>, 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" (<a href="/james/4.htm">James 4:1-2</a>). This passage highlights how the pursuit of selfish pleasures can lead to strife and discord. The Role of Pleasure in the Christian Life While 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" (<a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a>). This exhortation suggests that pleasure, when aligned with God's will and purpose, can be a positive and enriching part of the Christian life. Conclusion The 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.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/2237.htm">2237. hedone -- pleasure</a> ... [2237 is the root of the English terms, "," ". Word Origin from hedomai (to enjoy oneself) Definition pleasure NASB Word Usage pleasure (1), pleasures (4). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2237.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/619.htm">619. apolausis -- enjoyment</a> ... Word Origin from apolauo (to take of, enjoy) Definition enjoyment NASB Word Usage enjoy (1), enjoy the pleasures (1). enjoyment. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/619.htm - 6k<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5719.htm">5719. adin -- voluptuous</a> ... 1). given to pleasures. From adan; voluptuous -- given to pleasures. see HEBREW adan. 5718, 5719. adin. 5720 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5719.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/5273a.htm">5273a. naim -- pleasant, delightful</a> ... Word Origin from naem Definition pleasant, delightful NASB Word Usage compliments* (1), lovely (1), pleasant (7), pleasures (2). 5273, 5273a. naim. 5273b . ... /hebrew/5273a.htm - 5k <a href="/hebrew/8588.htm">8588. taanug -- daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight</a> ... Word Origin from anog Definition daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight NASB Word Usage charms (1), delight (1), luxury (1), pleasant (1), pleasures (1). ... /hebrew/8588.htm - 6k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/john/exposition_of_the_orthodox_faith/chapter_xiii_concerning_pleasures.htm">Concerning Pleasures.</a> ... Book II. Chapter XIII."Concerning Pleasures. There are pleasures of the soul and pleasures of the body. The pleasures of the soul ... /.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiii concerning pleasures.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_desires_for_pleasures_of.htm">Whether Desires for Pleasures of Touch are the Matter of ...</a> ... OF CONTINENCE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether desires for pleasures of touch are the matter of continence? Objection 1: It would seem that ... /.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether desires for pleasures of.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_temperance_is_only_about_2.htm">Whether Temperance is Only About Desires and Pleasures of Touch?</a> ... OF TEMPERANCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether temperance is only about desires and pleasures of touch? Objection 1: It would seem that ... /.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temperance is only about 2.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_temperance_is_about_the.htm">Whether Temperance is About the Pleasures Proper to the Taste?</a> ... OF TEMPERANCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether temperance is about the pleasures proper to the taste? Objection 1: It would seem that temperance ... /.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temperance is about the.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_the_pleasures_of_touch.htm">Whether the Pleasures of Touch are Greater than the Pleasures ...</a> ... OF DELIGHT CONSIDERED IN ITSELF [*Or, Pleasure] (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether the pleasures of touch are greater than the pleasures afforded by the other senses? ... /.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the pleasures of touch.htm<a href="/library/newton/olney_hymns/hymn_49_true_pleasures.htm">True Pleasures.</a> ... IV. COMFORT. Hymn 49 True pleasures. William Cowper 7,6,7,6,7,7,7,6. True pleasures. Lord my soul with pleasure springs,. When Jesus' name I hear; ... //christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 49 true pleasures.htm<a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_bodily_and_sensible_pleasures.htm">Whether Bodily and Sensible Pleasures are Greater than Spiritual ...</a> ... OF DELIGHT CONSIDERED IN ITSELF [*Or, Pleasure] (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether bodily and sensible pleasures are greater than spiritual and intellectual pleasures? ... /.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether bodily and sensible pleasures.htm<a href="/library/lactantius/the_divine_institutes/chap_xxii_of_the_pleasures_of.htm">Of the Pleasures of Taste and Smell.</a> ... the divine institutes Book VI. Of True Worship. Chap. XXII."Of the Pleasures of Taste and Smell. But with regard to the pleasures ... /.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxii of the pleasures of.htm<a href="/library/boudreaux/the_happiness_of_heaven/chapter_x_pleasures_of_the.htm">Pleasures of the Glorified Senses.</a> ... CHAPTER X. PLEASURES OF THE GLORIFIED SENSES. ... These pleasures, as well as those of the Beatific Vision, are certainly beyond our comprehension. ... /.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter x pleasures of the.htm<a href="/library/watts/hymns_and_spiritual_songs/hymn_2_57_the_pleasures_of.htm">The Pleasures of a Good Conscience.</a> ... Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:57. The pleasures of a good conscience. 1 Lord, how secure and bless'd are they Who feel the joys of pardon'd sin! ... /.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 2 57 the pleasures of.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/pleasures.htm">Pleasures (18 Occurrences)</a> ... Multi-Version Concordance Pleasures (18 Occurrences). Mark 7:21 Because from inside, from the heart of men, come evil thoughts and unclean pleasures, (BBE). ... /p/pleasures.htm - 11k<a href="/topical/l/lust.htm">Lust (42 Occurrences)</a> ... (2) Hedone, delight in sensuality, hence, wicked pleasures; translated in James 4:1, 3 "pleasures": "Your pleasures that war in your members"; "Ye ask amiss ... /l/lust.htm - 24k<a href="/topical/e/epicureans.htm">Epicureans (1 Occurrence)</a> ... course. And in this larger outlook, the pleasures of the mind came to occupy a larger place than the pleasures of the body. For ... /e/epicureans.htm - 20k<a href="/topical/w/waters.htm">Waters (386 Occurrences)</a> ... as streams of water in a dry place" (Isaiah 32:2); of peace, "He leadeth me beside still waters" (Psalm 23:2); of legitimate pleasures, "waters out of thine ... /w/waters.htm - 42k<a href="/topical/m/makest.htm">Makest (68 Occurrences)</a> ... Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (See JPS). ... /m/makest.htm - 25k<a href="/topical/v/various.htm">Various (52 Occurrences)</a> ... Titus 3:3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another ... /v/various.htm - 22k<a href="/topical/p/passions.htm">Passions (26 Occurrences)</a> ... Titus 3:3 For in the past we were foolish, hard in heart, turned from the true way, servants of evil desires and pleasures, living in bad feeling and envy ... /p/passions.htm - 17k<a href="/topical/s/spend.htm">Spend (54 Occurrences)</a> ... (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 your pleasures. (WEB ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV). ... /s/spend.htm - 23k<a href="/topical/p/pleasure.htm">Pleasure (331 Occurrences)</a> ... 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 lower pleasures of life ... /p/pleasure.htm - 40k<a href="/topical/q/quarrels.htm">Quarrels (10 Occurrences)</a> ... (See RSV NIV). James 4:1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? (See NAS NIV). ... /q/quarrels.htm - 9k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/cosmic-killjoy.html">Is God a cosmic killjoy? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/God-pleasure.html">Is God opposed to pleasure? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/you-have-not-because-you-ask-not.html">What is the meaning of “you have not because you ask not” in James 4:2? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://clyx.com/term/pleasures.htm">Pleasures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>Pleasures (18 Occurrences)<a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21</a> Because from inside, from the heart of men, come evil thoughts and unclean pleasures, (BBE)<a href="/luke/8-14.htm">Luke 8:14</a> That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34</a> But give attention to yourselves, for fear that your hearts become over-full of the pleasures of food and wine, and the cares of this life, and that day may come on you suddenly, and take you as in a net: (BBE)<a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a> Among whom we all at one time were living in the pleasures of our flesh, giving way to the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and the punishment of God was waiting for us even as for the rest. (BBE)<a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">2 Timothy 3:4</a> Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (KJV WBS)<a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Titus 2:12</a> training us to renounce ungodliness and all the pleasures of this world, and to live sober, upright, and pious lives at the present time, (WEY)<a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Titus 3:3</a> For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Hebrews 11:25</a> choosing rather to share ill treatment with God's people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time; (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1</a> Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? (WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS)<a href="/james/4-3.htm">James 4:3</a> You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures. (WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS NIV)<a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">2 Peter 2:13</a> about to receive a reward of unrighteousness, pleasures counting the luxury in the day, spots and blemishes, luxuriating in their deceits, feasting with you, (YLT NIV)<a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Jude 1:16</a> These are the men who make trouble, ever desiring change, going after evil pleasures, using high-sounding words, respecting men's position in the hope of reward. (BBE)<a href="/job/36-11.htm">Job 36:11</a> If they listen and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)<a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalms 16:11</a> You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/psalms/36-8.htm">Psalms 36:8</a> They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS)<a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15</a> Precious she 'is' above rubies, And all thy pleasures are not comparable to her. (YLT)<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8</a> I got together silver and gold and the wealth of kings and of countries. I got makers of song, male and female; and the delights of the sons of men--girls of all sorts to be my brides. (See NAS)<a href="/isaiah/47-8.htm">Isaiah 47:8</a> "Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children: (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/p/pleasures.htm">Pleasures</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome (12 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/empire.htm">Empire (8 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/pleasures.htm">Pleasures (18 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/o/openness.htm">Openness (2 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/w/wondering.htm">Wondering (22 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/i/ignoble.htm">Ignoble (4 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/pled.htm">Pled (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/c/common.htm">Common (118 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/senator.htm">Senator</a><a href="/topical/s/senate.htm">Senate (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/b/beholding.htm">Beholding (45 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/christianity.htm">Christianity</a><a href="/topical/t/taking.htm">Taking (445 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/roman.htm">Roman (26 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/army.htm">Army (401 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/l/law.htm">Law (670 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/pleasure-making.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Pleasure-making"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Pleasure-making" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/plebeian.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Plebeian"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Plebeian" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>