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 5:28KJV
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Matthew 5:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:28 mean?

Matthew 5:28 says that anyone who looks at a woman with the intention of lusting after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Jesus is teaching that sin is not just about outward actions, but also about the desires and intentions within a person.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing common understandings of the law. He moves beyond the external act of adultery and focuses on the inner life, showing that God cares about what happens in the heart, not just what is done outwardly. This teaching challenges listeners to consider the deeper roots of sin.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:28

  • The word "looketh" (βλέπω, blepō) means more than just seeing; it often implies a deliberate, intentional gaze. Here, it suggests an ongoing, purposeful looking rather than a passing glance.
  • The phrase "to lust after" (ἐπιθυμέω, epithymeō) means to strongly desire or covet. In this context, it refers specifically to sexual desire that is not appropriate.
  • The word "heart" (καρδία, kardia) in Greek refers to the inner self, including thoughts, desires, and intentions—not just emotions. This shows that Jesus is talking about the whole inner life, not just fleeting feelings.

Why Matthew 5:28 matters

  • Matthew 5:28 clarifies that sin is not limited to physical actions; it includes thoughts and intentions, challenging a shallow understanding of morality.
  • This verse highlights Jesus’ emphasis on the heart and inner life, which is a key theme throughout the Sermon on the Mount.
  • By connecting inner desire with outward sin, Matthew 5:28 helps explain why Jesus’ teachings often go deeper than traditional interpretations of the law, calling for a transformation from the inside out.

Where else these words appear

“adultery” Greek G3431 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
  • Luke 16:18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
  • Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

“after” Greek G1937 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
  • 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“already” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

“looketh” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.