Desires & yearnings---nouns with similar definitions. Both words can be used as nouns in function but delete the plural and both easily become verbs in their usage.
How does scripture use these terms? As synonyms?
Still musing or mulling it over...going deeper than I ever imagined..........Check out the references listed in the labels.
At this point, I'm seeing yearning, at least in the biblical sense, as going hand in hand with seeking with ones' heart and so far have found it used more often in the Old Testament of the Bible (8) than the New Testament. (1) Yearning has a depth connotation to me. Deep as stated in Genesis 43:30---Joseph's yearning from his bowels with weeping for his brother and he found sanctuary in his chamber as he wept.
Desire - A heart's desire.
Yearn - A desire that is taken to the depths of one's soul.
Seek the Lord and His strength and yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11)
At this point, I'm seeing yearning, at least in the biblical sense, as going hand in hand with seeking with ones' heart and so far have found it used more often in the Old Testament of the Bible (8) than the New Testament. (1) Yearning has a depth connotation to me. Deep as stated in Genesis 43:30---Joseph's yearning from his bowels with weeping for his brother and he found sanctuary in his chamber as he wept.
Desire - A heart's desire.
Yearn - A desire that is taken to the depths of one's soul.
Seek the Lord and His strength and yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11)