CONCUPISCENCE (from the Lat. Concupiscere, to desire intensely. In the KJV the word trs. the NT Greek ἐπιθυμέω, G2121, to desire, set one’s heart upon, covet, or lust after, a thing. The noun is ἐπιθυμία, G2123, a desire, craving, longing.)

The word ἐπιθυμία, G2123, may be used of good as well as of evil desires (cf. Luke 22:15). When it is used of evil desires it is in three instances rendered “concupiscence” in the KJV (Rom 7:8; Col 3:5; 1 Thess 4:5). In the ASV and RSV the word “concupiscence” does not appear at all. In the three passages indicated words like “coveting,” “(evil) desire,” and “lust” are used to give the sense of ἐπιθυμία, G2123.

In the Christian ethical tradition concupiscence is generally considered to be a sinful disposition, a desire which is inordinate either because it is too intense or (more often) because it is wrongly directed. Like “lust,” concupiscence frequently (though not always) connotes inordinate sexual desire.

Though what the word designates remains a feature of fallen man, the word itself has fallen into disuse.