Bible Verses About Lust

"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body."

"For 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."

"But 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."

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour."

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."

"I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"

What does the Bible say about lust?

Lust is a battle as old as humanity—and one that rages more fiercely than ever in a culture saturated with sexual imagery. But God's Word is clear: lust is not an appetite to be fed but a fire to be starved. Key King James Version passages include Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 John 2:16. This page collects 10 KJV verses about lust, each quoted in full.

Is lust the same as attraction?

No. Noticing that someone is attractive is natural and not sinful. Lust occurs when that notice becomes a deliberate, sustained fantasy—when you mentally undress or objectify another person. Jesus distinguished between seeing and lusting in Matthew 5:28. The temptation is not sin; dwelling on it is.

How do I overcome lust?

Scripture prescribes several strategies: flee temptation (2 Timothy 2:22), walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), guard your eyes (Job 31:1, Psalm 101:3), hide God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11), and pursue accountability with trusted believers (James 5:16). Victory is a daily, Spirit-empowered choice.

Can married people struggle with lust?

Yes. Marriage does not eliminate temptation. Jesus said looking lustfully at anyone — not just an unmarried person — is adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Married couples must guard their hearts and eyes, maintain emotional boundaries with others, and nurture intimacy within the marriage.

What is the difference between attraction and lust?

Natural attraction is part of God's design, while lust involves deliberately entertaining sexual desire outside God's boundaries (Matthew 5:28). The distinction lies in the will: noticing beauty is involuntary, but choosing to cultivate fantasy crosses into lust.