The verse "For they were ashamed to declare their lust, that they desired to have to do with her" (from Susanna 1:11 in the Deuterocanonical Book of Susanna) means that the two elders were sexually attracted to Susanna and wanted to have sexual relations with her, but they were embarrassed and afraid to directly tell her this.
Here's a breakdown:
"They were ashamed to declare their lust...": This highlights their feeling of shame and embarrassment. They were respected elders in the community, and their position made openly admitting their desire for Susanna socially unacceptable and potentially damaging to their reputation. "Lust" here refers to a strong sexual desire.
"...that they desired to have to do with her.": This is a euphemism for wanting to have sexual intercourse with her. They harbored sexual desires and actively wanted a sexual encounter with Susanna.
In essence, the verse describes the internal conflict of the elders. They were driven by lust but held back by social constraints, their own sense of shame, and the fear of rejection or exposure. This sets the stage for their later, more insidious plan to falsely accuse Susanna when she refuses their advances.
The verse "For they were ashamed to declare their lust, that they desired to have to do with her" (from Susanna 1:11 in the Deuterocanonical Book of Susanna) means that the two elders were sexually attracted to Susanna and wanted to have sexual relations with her, but they were embarrassed and afraid to directly tell her this.
Here's a breakdown:
"They were ashamed to declare their lust...": This highlights their feeling of shame and embarrassment. They were respected elders in the community, and their position made openly admitting their desire for Susanna socially unacceptable and potentially damaging to their reputation. "Lust" here refers to a strong sexual desire.
"...that they desired to have to do with her.": This is a euphemism for wanting to have sexual intercourse with her. They harbored sexual desires and actively wanted a sexual encounter with Susanna.
In essence, the verse describes the internal conflict of the elders. They were driven by lust but held back by social constraints, their own sense of shame, and the fear of rejection or exposure. This sets the stage for their later, more insidious plan to falsely accuse Susanna when she refuses their advances.
