What Does the Bible Say About Lust?
What Does the Bible Say About Lust? Jesus taught that lust begins in the heart and constitutes adultery in God's eyes. Scripture calls believers to flee lustful desires and pursue purity through the Spirit's power.
Key verse: Matthew 5:28 (KJV)
Jesus taught that lust begins in the heart and constitutes adultery in God's eyes. Scripture calls believers to flee lustful desires and pursue purity through the Spirit's power.
Jesus taught that lust begins in the heart and constitutes adultery in God's eyes. Scripture calls believers to flee lustful desires and pursue purity through the Spirit's power.
"Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." — Matthew 5:28 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Jesus raised the standard beyond outward behavior: 'Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart' (Matthew 5:28). Lust is not merely a physical temptation — it's a heart condition. James describes the progression: 'Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death' (James 1:14-15). John categorized temptation as 'the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life' (1 John 2:16). Paul commanded, 'Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace' (2 Timothy 2:22). The strategy is twofold: flee from lust and pursue godliness. Job made 'a covenant with mine eyes' (Job 31:1) — a proactive boundary. Paul encouraged, 'Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16). Victory comes not through willpower but through the Spirit's power and renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
"Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Adultery?
The Bible forbids adultery to protect the sanctity of marriage, calling for sexual purity in both outward actions and the thoughts of the heart.
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity?
The Bible calls believers to sexual purity — reserving sexual intimacy for marriage between husband and wife and fleeing all forms of sexual immorality.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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