Matthew 5:28

KJV

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I {G1473} say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} whosoever {G3956} looketh {G991} on a woman {G1135} to {G4314} lust after {G1937} her {G846} hath committed adultery {G3431} with her {G846} already {G2235} in {G1722} his {G846} heart {G2588}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I tell you that a man who even looks at a woman with the purpose of lusting after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

American Standard Version

but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:28, a pivotal declaration from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, profoundly redefines righteousness by asserting that lustful intent in the heart is equivalent to the physical act of adultery in God's sight. This statement transcends mere external obedience to the Mosaic Law, elevating the standard for God's people to one of internal purity and moral integrity, challenging His listeners to cultivate a righteousness that originates from the deepest recesses of the human spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader framework of the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), specifically within a series of "antitheses" (Matthew 5:21-48) where Jesus contrasts traditional interpretations of the Mosaic Law ("You have heard that it was said...") with His own radical, Spirit-empowered understanding ("But I say unto you..."). Following His teaching on anger and murder in [Matthew 5:21-26](/matthew/5-21-26 "Matthew 5:21-26 - Jesus' teaching on anger and reconciliation"), Jesus now addresses the seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")). By moving from outward actions to inward thoughts, Jesus underscores the spiritual depth of God's Law and the comprehensive nature of true righteousness, which must extend beyond external compliance to the very intentions of the heart. This section serves to demonstrate that the righteousness required for entry into the [Kingdom of Heaven](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees") is far more profound than that practiced by the scribes and Pharisees.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, particularly among the Pharisees, adherence to the Law often focused on external observance and legalistic interpretations. Adultery was strictly forbidden and carried severe penalties under Mosaic Law, but the emphasis was primarily on the physical act. Jesus' audience would have understood adultery as a breach of covenant, a violation of marriage vows, and a societal offense. However, the concept of internal lust being equated with the act itself was revolutionary. While Old Testament wisdom literature hinted at the dangers of the heart ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")), Jesus' direct and authoritative declaration challenged the prevailing legalistic mindset that distinguished between sinful thoughts and sinful actions. His teaching here reveals that God's standard is not merely behavioral but spiritual, demanding purity of thought and intention, a concept that would have been deeply unsettling to those accustomed to a more superficial understanding of righteousness.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Inward Purity**, asserting that true righteousness originates in the heart and mind, not merely in outward conformity to rules. Jesus consistently emphasizes that sin is not just an act but a condition of the heart, as seen in His later teachings about what defiles a person ([Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")). Secondly, this verse highlights the **Radical Demands of the Kingdom of Heaven**, demonstrating that the standard of righteousness for those who would enter God's Kingdom far surpasses the external, self-righteous piety of the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")). It reveals that God's Law is spiritual and judges the deepest intentions. Finally, it provides a clear definition of the **Nature of Lust**, identifying it not as a fleeting thought but as an intentional, sustained gaze with illicit sexual desire, equating this internal disposition with the moral transgression of adultery in God's sight, regardless of whether the physical act occurs. This theme underscores the seriousness with which God views the purity of one's inner life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **looketh (Greek, _blépō_):** From G991, meaning "to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed." In this context, _blépō_ is not a casual glance but implies a sustained, intentional gaze. When coupled with the infinitive "to lust after," it denotes a deliberate act of perception that transitions into a sinful desire, indicating a conscious choice to fix one's attention on another with illicit intent.
* **lust after (Greek, _epithyméō_):** From G1937, meaning "to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise):--covet, desire, would fain, lust (after)." This word signifies a strong, often illicit or sinful, desire or craving. The presence of the preposition _prós_ (G4314, "to, toward") with _epithyméō_ emphasizes the directionality and intensity of this desire "towards" the woman. It's not a passing temptation but a settled, active longing that the heart embraces.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía_):** From G2588, meaning "the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed)." In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is the center of one's being – the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and moral decision. Jesus' statement places the locus of sin firmly within this inner core, indicating that true moral transgression occurs when the will assents to and cherishes a sinful desire, even if it never manifests outwardly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I say unto you":** This emphatic declaration signals Jesus' divine authority and His radical reinterpretation of the Law. It contrasts His teaching with the common rabbinic interpretations ("You have heard that it was said"), positioning Him as the supreme interpreter of God's will, revealing the deeper, spiritual intent behind the Mosaic commandments. This phrase underscores the new covenant standard He is establishing.
* **"That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her":** This clause identifies the specific action and intention that Jesus condemns. The phrase "looketh... to lust after" (G991 _blépō_ + G4314 _prós_ + G1937 _epithyméō_) describes not an accidental glance, but a deliberate, sustained gaze with the specific purpose or outcome of cultivating illicit sexual desire. The "whosoever" (G3956 _pâs_) indicates the universal applicability of this principle, transcending gender or social status. It's the intentionality and the cultivation of the desire that constitutes the sin.
* **"hath committed adultery with her already in his heart":** This is the shocking and profound conclusion. Jesus declares that the internal act of cherishing lustful desire is, in God's sight, morally equivalent to the physical act of adultery. The word "already" (G2235 _ḗdē_) emphasizes the immediate and complete nature of this spiritual transgression; it is not a potential sin but a fully actualized one in the inner realm. The "heart" (G2588 _kardía_) is the battleground and the place of conviction, where true righteousness or sin is forged.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several powerful literary devices in Matthew 5:28. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, as He directly contrasts the traditional, external understanding of the law ("You have heard that it was said...") with His own profound, internal interpretation ("But I say unto you..."). This rhetorical structure highlights the radical nature of His teaching and His divine authority. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Hyperbole** in the statement, not in the sense that it is an exaggeration, but in its shocking and absolute claim that an internal thought is equated with an external act. This serves to underscore the extreme seriousness of lust and the depth of God's moral demands, pushing listeners beyond superficial obedience. Finally, the use of "heart" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where the physical organ represents the totality of one's inner being—the mind, will, emotions, and moral center. By locating adultery "in his heart," Jesus emphasizes that sin's true origin and moral culpability lie in the inner disposition and intention, not merely in outward behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:28 reveals a foundational theological truth: God's moral law is not merely a set of external regulations but a spiritual standard that judges the deepest intentions and desires of the human heart. This verse dismantles the false dichotomy between thought and action, asserting that sin originates in the inner person and that cherished lust is not merely a temptation but a moral transgression in God's eyes. It underscores God's absolute holiness, which demands purity not only in deed but also in thought and motive. This radical standard exposes the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness through external compliance alone, thereby pointing to the profound need for divine grace and transformation. It also highlights the seriousness of sexual sin, which, even in its unacted form, violates the sanctity of relationships and God's design for human sexuality.

* [Proverbs 6:25](/proverbs/6-25 "Do Not Lust in Your Heart")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "The Progression of Lust to Sin")
* [1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "Hatred as Murder in the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:28 serves as a profound call to rigorous self-examination and a spiritual awakening to the true nature of sin. It compels us to recognize that the battle for holiness is primarily waged in the unseen realm of our thoughts and desires. This verse challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize our lives, separating our public actions from our private thoughts. Instead, Jesus demands an integrated righteousness where our inner world aligns with God's perfect standard. For believers, this means cultivating a vigilant self-awareness, actively guarding our minds against the insidious creep of lustful thoughts, and intentionally directing our gaze and affections toward what is pure and honorable. It necessitates a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our desires and renew our minds, acknowledging that true purity is a work of grace, not mere willpower. This verse also calls for humility, as it exposes our universal struggle with sin at its root, driving us to confess our inner failings and seek God's forgiveness and empowering grace for genuine heart transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:28 challenge your understanding of sin and righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against lustful thoughts, recognizing that the battle begins internally?**
* **How does the radical standard of this verse lead you to a deeper appreciation for God's grace and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?**
* **In what ways might a focus on internal purity impact your relationships and interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus imply that any fleeting thought of attraction is equivalent to adultery?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not condemning every involuntary thought or initial attraction. The Greek word for "looketh" (_blépō_) combined with "to lust after" (_prós_ _epithyméō_) implies a sustained, intentional gaze that leads to or is accompanied by a cherished, illicit desire. It's the deliberate cultivation, dwelling upon, and willing embrace of a lustful thought that Jesus equates with the act of adultery in the heart. A fleeting temptation is not a sin until it is welcomed and entertained by the will. The emphasis is on the intentionality and the heart's assent to the desire.

**If I have committed adultery in my heart, is there forgiveness?**

Answer: Absolutely. While Jesus' teaching reveals the profound depth of sin, it also underscores the profound depth of God's grace and forgiveness. The purpose of this teaching is not to condemn without hope, but to expose the true nature of sin and drive us to Christ. Just as there is forgiveness for physical adultery through repentance and faith in Jesus, there is complete forgiveness for the sin of lust in the heart. [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") assures us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The grace of God in Christ is sufficient to cleanse both our outward actions and our inward desires.

**How can one overcome lust if it originates in the heart?**

Answer: Overcoming lust requires a multi-faceted approach rooted in spiritual discipline and reliance on God's power. Firstly, it involves recognizing the sin and confessing it to God. Secondly, it requires actively guarding the "gateways" to the heart—our eyes and minds—by being disciplined about what we consume through media and where we allow our gaze to linger. Thirdly, it necessitates a proactive cultivation of purity through prayer, scripture meditation ([Psalm 119:11](/psalm/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in Your Heart")), and filling the mind with wholesome thoughts ([Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Think on These Things")). Finally, and most crucially, it involves reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to put to death the deeds of the body and live according to the Spirit ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). This is a lifelong process of sanctification, not a one-time event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:28, with its radical demand for internal purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. This verse starkly exposes the universal human inability to meet God's perfect standard of righteousness, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). No one, apart from Christ, can claim to have a heart perfectly free from lust or any other sinful desire. Jesus, however, is the only one who perfectly fulfilled this internal demand of the Law; He lived a life of absolute purity, His heart and thoughts always in perfect alignment with the Father's will. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the penalty for our every sin—both external actions and internal lusts—on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, His perfect righteousness is imputed to those who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), covering our moral deficiencies, including the adultery committed in the heart. Furthermore, Christ's work does not merely cover our sin but empowers us for transformation. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are given a new heart and the power to progressively put to death the deeds of the flesh, including lust ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit"); [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). Thus, Matthew 5:28 points us to our desperate need for Christ's perfect righteousness and His sanctifying power, enabling us to pursue the purity of heart that God desires.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

2 Samuel 11:2

And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon.

Job 31:1

¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?