Matthew 5 28

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.

Matthew 5:28 nkjv

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:28 niv

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

Matthew 5:28 esv

But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:28 nlt

But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 28 Meaning

This verse highlights the internal aspect of sin, extending it beyond physical actions to covetous thoughts and desires. Jesus reveals that lustful looking, even if no physical act follows, defiles the person, reflecting the inner corruption of the heart. It speaks to the spiritual purity God requires, which originates in one's thoughts.

Matthew 5 28 Context

In Matthew 5, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching for his disciples. He revisits and intensifies the Mosaic Law, focusing on the inner attitude and intent behind actions, not just the outward behavior. He addresses murder and anger, and then moves to adultery. Verse 28 is a continuation of this teaching, illustrating that sin originates in the heart, in one's thoughts and desires. This sermon establishes a higher standard of righteousness for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 28 Word Analysis

• Matthew 5:28 (English Standard Version)

  • "But" - introduces a contrast or a qualification to the preceding statement (e.g., not just physical adultery is sinful).
  • "I" - Jesus himself speaking, emphasizing his authority.
  • "say" - the act of declaring or teaching.
  • "to" - directional.
  • "you" - the disciples being addressed.
  • "that" - introducing a subordinate clause.
  • "everyone" - universal application within the scope of those who hear.
  • "who" - relative pronoun.
  • "looks" - Gk. blepōn (βλέπων), present participle of blepō (βλέπω), meaning to look at, behold, regard. It implies a sustained or deliberate gaze, not a fleeting glance.
  • "at" - preposition.
  • "a" - indefinite article.
  • "woman" - Gk. gunē (γυνή), meaning woman or wife.
  • "to" - expressing purpose or intent.
  • "lust" - Gk. epithumeō (ἐπιθυμέω), a strong desire, craving, longing. It can be neutral, but in this context, it signifies illicit, carnal, or covetous desire, often associated with sin.
  • "after" - directional.
  • "her" - referring to the woman.

• Word-group Analysis:

  • "looks at a woman to lust after her" - This phrase encapsulates the essence of the teaching. It moves the locus of sin from the external act of adultery to the internal motive and gaze. The deliberate act of looking with the intent to covetous desire is presented as the internal reality of adultery in the heart.

Matthew 5 28 Bonus Section

This teaching from Jesus can be understood as building upon Old Testament prohibitions against coveting (Exodus 20:17). While the Law addressed the outward act of adultery, Jesus exposes the root of such sin in the heart's desire. His interpretation here is part of a larger theme in the Sermon on the Mount where he unpacks the deeper spiritual intent behind the Law. He calls his followers to a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, one that is characterized by internal purity and adherence to God's will in all aspects of life, including thoughts. This is further echoed by the apostle Paul who speaks about bringing every thought into captivity to Christ (2 Cor 10:5).

Matthew 5 28 Commentary

Jesus declares that harboring lustful thoughts towards another person, even if no outward act of adultery occurs, constitutes sin in the heart. This radical teaching emphasizes God's concern for the inner disposition and motives, not just observable behavior. It implies that true righteousness is an inward transformation, where one's thoughts are also purified and submitted to God's will. This verse challenges individuals to guard their thoughts and desires, recognizing that they have moral implications before God.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • Consciously averting one's gaze when tempted to linger on someone inappropriately.
  • Actively redirecting one's thoughts away from lustful images or fantasies.
  • Praying for purity of heart and mind.