What is the meaning of concupiscence in the Bible?

Answer

Concupiscence is a strong desire, especially concerning sexuality. The term concupiscence is mainly found in older versions of the Bible, like the KJV. More recent translations typically replace the term concupiscence with phrases such as covetous desires «But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. », (Romans 7:8, NLT), evil desires «Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: », (Colossians 3:5, NIV), and passion of lust «not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: », (1 Thessalonians 4:5, ESV).

Desire itself is not a sin. We desire many things strongly that God has provided for us to enjoy, such as food, water, friendship, and sleep. We also possess a natural desire for sex, and sexual passion within marriage is not concupiscence; however, all manifestations of sexual passion outside of marriage are sinful (Galatians 5:19-21;1 Corinthians 6:9-10). In the Bible, concupiscence always denotes a passionate desire for something that God has prohibited.

In 1 Thessalonians 4, concupiscence is juxtaposed with the believer’s responsibility to “learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable” (verse 4). Colossians 3 identifies concupiscence as part of the earthly nature and includes it in the list of things that provoke God’s wrath against humanity (verses 4–5). Romans 7:7–8 connects concupiscence with the law, showing how it can lead to sin.

License to covetousness refers to the desire for something that is not one’s property and that one has no right to.

The current epidemic of pornography is a symptom of concupiscence. The current obsession with sexual perversion, the dismantling of sexual boundaries, and the redefinition of marriage are all indicators that a culture is becoming more concupiscent. Romans 1:18–32 warns that continued concupiscence will lead to “a depraved mind” (verse 28). Three times this passage warns that, when people reject God’s standard of holiness, He will “give them over” to their lusts. Ongoing concupiscence results in a deadening of conscience to the extent that one can sin boldly without guilt or conviction. That is a dangerous place to be.

Concupiscence defined humanity in the days of Noah “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”, (Genesis 6:5). Lustful passion gives way to deviant actions. If our concupiscence is not recognized for the evil that it is, surrendered to the cross (Romans 6:6-7), and abandoned “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”, (1 Corinthians 6:11), it will eventually kill us (James 1:14-15). The Lord detests the sin that contaminates us and makes us unfit for worship and service. At the root of most sins is a heart full of evil desires—concupiscence—that, if not surrendered to the lordship of Jesus, will one day face the judgment of God (Romans 2:5; Romans 14:10; Matthew 16:27).

(Romans 2:5; Romans 14:10; Matthew 16:27)