Concupiscence
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Concupiscence in the Bible?
The Greek noun epithumia refers to intense desire or longing, which can be directed towards God or towards sinful objects. When unexpressed, it often refers to lust or coveting.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding concupiscence clarifies the biblical distinction between natural human appetites and the disordered cravings that lead to moral failure, aiding in the interpretation of passages concerning human weakness and ethical conduct.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Concupiscence. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Concupiscence in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Concupiscence clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Concupiscence." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/concupiscence/