Originally meaning anything that happens to a person (from πάσχω, 'to suffer'), this word came to denote passions or strong emotions, particularly those that are disordered or shameful. Paul uses it for degrading passions in his discussion of idolatry's consequences (Rom 1:26), for sinful desires to be put to death (Col 3:5), and for lustful passion that marks pagan ignorance of God (1 Thess 4:5). The term doesn't merely describe strong feeling but carries a sense of being acted upon by desires, experiencing passions that can degrade and control.