Matthew 5:28

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Matthew 5:28 is a profound statement from Jesus Christ, delivered during His transformative Sermon on the Mount. Here, Jesus elevates the standard of righteousness from mere external compliance with the Law to the purity of the heart and mind, challenging the prevailing interpretations of His day.

Context

This verse is part of a series of "antitheses" (or "You have heard that it was said... But I say unto you") where Jesus expounds on the true spiritual intent of the Mosaic Law. Following His teaching on anger and murder (Matthew 5:21-22), He addresses the commandment against adultery (Exodus 20:14). While the Old Testament explicitly forbade the physical act, Jesus reveals that God's standard goes deeper, judging the desires and intentions of the heart.

Key Themes

  • Inward Purity: Jesus emphasizes that sin is not merely an outward act but originates in the heart and mind. True righteousness begins with internal purity, not just external conformity.
  • The Radical Demands of the Kingdom: The Kingdom of Heaven demands a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, who often focused on outward appearances (Matthew 5:20). Jesus reveals that God's law is a spiritual law, judging thoughts and intents.
  • The Nature of Lust: This verse defines lust as the intentional gazing upon someone with illicit sexual desire, equating it with the moral transgression of adultery in God's sight, even if the physical act never occurs.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "looketh" is blepō, which can mean to see, perceive, or gaze. When combined with "to lust after her," it implies not a casual glance but a sustained, intentional looking with a sinful desire. The word for "lust" is epithymeō, which signifies a strong, often illicit, desire or craving. This same word is used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) for "covet" in the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17), highlighting the connection between covetousness and sinful desire. Jesus reveals that the heart's desires are as accountable before God as outward actions.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:28 is a powerful call to self-examination and a profound challenge to guard one's mind and heart. It teaches us that:

  • Sin begins in the mind: Our thoughts are not neutral; they are the battleground where sin often takes root (James 1:14-15). Cultivating pure thoughts is essential for a pure life.
  • Personal Responsibility: We are responsible for what we allow our minds to dwell upon. This verse encourages active vigilance over our thought life, seeking to honor God in every aspect of our being.
  • The Need for Grace: Recognizing the depth of God's standard reveals our constant need for God's transforming grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts and minds. It points us to the perfect righteousness of Christ, which alone can cover our imperfections.
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Cross-References

  • 1 John 2:16 (25 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

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

  • James 1:15 (24 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 6:25 (24 votes)

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

  • Exodus 20:17 (18 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

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