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.
Matthew 5:28
This verse intensifies the command against adultery by focusing on heart-level lust. “Looketh on a woman to lust after her” is a universal human temptation, not limited to any one gender. The phrase “hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” asserts that sexual sin begins in the mind and desires, not merely in overt actions. In the cultural context, many men could be tempted to separate inner life from outward virtue; Jesus corrects that split by insisting that true righteousness touches the heart. The verse is radical in declaring that sinful intent is morally actionable before God.
This teaching highlights the inner sanctification that the gospel calls for. It aligns with the broader biblical claim that humans are responsible for thoughts and desires, not just deeds. It also points toward the need for grace to purify the heart, and to the radical call to live in a way that honors other people as image-bearers, not as objects. The verse anticipates the New Testament emphasis on purity of heart and the Spirit’s work in renewing desires (Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 8:5-6).
In contemporary life, this verse challenges you to examine what you allow into your mind. Be mindful of entertainment choices, social media, and conversations that stir lust. Implement practical boundaries: curate your media, set dating boundaries that protect purity, and surround yourself with accountability partners who encourage virtue. If you struggle, seek confession and guidance from trusted friends or mentors. The goal is a life where desires align with God’s goodness, preserving dignity for others and integrity in relationships.
Cross-References: Job 31:1; Psalm 24:3-4; 2 Samuel 11:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Ephesians 5:3