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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
say
G3004
λέγω
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιθυμῆσαι
lust after
G1937
ἐπιθυμῆσαι
lust after
Strong's:
G1937
Word #:
12 of 20
to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 6:25Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.1 John 2:16For 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.Exodus 20:17Thou 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 11:2And 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 31:1I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?Genesis 34:2And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:Job 31:9If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;Psalms 119:96I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.Romans 7:14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish culture veiled women and separated genders to minimize temptation. Yet Jesus goes beyond external safeguards to the heart. He addresses male lust directly, challenging men to take responsibility for their thought life rather than blaming women.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard your heart and mind against lustful thoughts in today's sexualized culture?
- What does this teach about the difference between involuntary temptation and willful lust?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lustful looking is adultery in the heart. The Greek implies intentional, prolonged gazing for the purpose of desiring. This isn't about fleeting temptation (which Jesus experienced without sin) but cultivating lustful thoughts. Jesus exposes that sexual sin begins in the mind, not just the body.