Matthew 5:28 - but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
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What does "Matthew 5:28" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:28, is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and it's a profound statement about the nature of sin and the importance of inner purity. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"but I tell you..." - Jesus is contrasting his teaching with what was traditionally understood and taught about the law. He is going deeper, emphasizing the spirit of the law rather than just the letter of it.
"that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her..." - This is the core of the statement. It's not just about looking at someone, but looking at them with the intention to lust. The Greek word for "gazes" (βλέπων - blepon) suggests a deliberate and prolonged look, and the word for "lust" (ἐπιθυμῆσαι - epithumēsai) implies a strong desire and craving, often associated with sinful thoughts and intentions. It is important to note that the verse is not saying it is wrong to see a woman. It is saying that dwelling on a woman to the point of lust is wrong.
"has committed adultery with her already in his heart." - This is the key point. Jesus is saying that the act of lusting in your mind and heart is equivalent to committing adultery in God's eyes. It's not a physical act, but the intention and the desire are so strong that they constitute sin. It's about the state of your heart, not just outward actions.
Key Implications and Interpretations:
Internal vs. External: This verse emphasizes that sin isn't just about outward actions, but also about internal thoughts and desires. God sees the heart.
The Root of Sin: Jesus is identifying lust as a root cause of the sin of adultery. By controlling your thoughts, you can prevent yourself from acting on sinful desires.
Holistic Purity: This verse challenges people to seek purity not just in their actions but also in their thoughts and attitudes.
High Standard: This is a very high standard, and it reveals the depth of God's holiness and the need for His grace.
Universality: While the verse specifically mentions a man lusting after a woman, the underlying principle applies to all forms of sinful desire and applies equally to women lusting after men. It's about the objectification of another person and the sin that occurs in the heart.
In simple terms:
Jesus is saying that if you look at someone with lust in your heart, you've already committed adultery in your mind. The sin isn't just in the action, it starts with the thought and the intention.
Important Considerations:
Unintentional Thoughts: It's important to note that the verse is about intentional lusting. We all have unwanted thoughts that pop into our heads from time to time. The key is to not dwell on them, entertain them, or cultivate them.
Grace and Forgiveness: This verse can feel overwhelming, but it's important to remember that God offers grace and forgiveness to those who confess their sins and seek to live a pure life.
Application: This verse is a call to examine our hearts, to be honest about our thoughts and desires, and to strive for purity in all aspects of our lives. It is a call to treat others with respect and dignity, recognizing their inherent worth and not reducing them to objects of our desires.
Matthew 5:28 - but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
What does "Matthew 5:28" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:28, is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and it's a profound statement about the nature of sin and the importance of inner purity. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"but I tell you..." - Jesus is contrasting his teaching with what was traditionally understood and taught about the law. He is going deeper, emphasizing the spirit of the law rather than just the letter of it.
"that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her..." - This is the core of the statement. It's not just about looking at someone, but looking at them with the intention to lust. The Greek word for "gazes" (βλέπων - blepon) suggests a deliberate and prolonged look, and the word for "lust" (ἐπιθυμῆσαι - epithumēsai) implies a strong desire and craving, often associated with sinful thoughts and intentions. It is important to note that the verse is not saying it is wrong to see a woman. It is saying that dwelling on a woman to the point of lust is wrong.
"has committed adultery with her already in his heart." - This is the key point. Jesus is saying that the act of lusting in your mind and heart is equivalent to committing adultery in God's eyes. It's not a physical act, but the intention and the desire are so strong that they constitute sin. It's about the state of your heart, not just outward actions.
Key Implications and Interpretations:
Internal vs. External: This verse emphasizes that sin isn't just about outward actions, but also about internal thoughts and desires. God sees the heart.
The Root of Sin: Jesus is identifying lust as a root cause of the sin of adultery. By controlling your thoughts, you can prevent yourself from acting on sinful desires.
Holistic Purity: This verse challenges people to seek purity not just in their actions but also in their thoughts and attitudes.
High Standard: This is a very high standard, and it reveals the depth of God's holiness and the need for His grace.
Universality: While the verse specifically mentions a man lusting after a woman, the underlying principle applies to all forms of sinful desire and applies equally to women lusting after men. It's about the objectification of another person and the sin that occurs in the heart.
In simple terms:
Jesus is saying that if you look at someone with lust in your heart, you've already committed adultery in your mind. The sin isn't just in the action, it starts with the thought and the intention.
Important Considerations:
Unintentional Thoughts: It's important to note that the verse is about intentional lusting. We all have unwanted thoughts that pop into our heads from time to time. The key is to not dwell on them, entertain them, or cultivate them.
Grace and Forgiveness: This verse can feel overwhelming, but it's important to remember that God offers grace and forgiveness to those who confess their sins and seek to live a pure life.
Application: This verse is a call to examine our hearts, to be honest about our thoughts and desires, and to strive for purity in all aspects of our lives. It is a call to treat others with respect and dignity, recognizing their inherent worth and not reducing them to objects of our desires.