Bible Lexicons

Berry's Synonyms of the New TestamentBerry's NT Synonyms

Desire, Lust

ἐπιθυμία, πάθος, ὁρμή, ὄρεξις.

ἐπιθυμία is the broadest of these words. Its meaning may be good, but it is usually bad. It denotes any natural desire or appetite, usually with the implication that it is a depraved desire. πάθος has not as broad a meaning as in classical Greek, but denotes evil desire, chiefly, however, as a condition of the soul rather than in active operation. ὁρμή indicates hostile motion toward an object, either for seizing or repelling. ὄρεξις is a desire or appetite, especially seeking the object of gratification in order to make it one's own.