Lust & Adultery of the Heart

Lust is not a mere struggle — in Matthew 5:28 Jesus calls it adultery of the heart. Scripture lays down sound doctrine and provides no circumstantial clause to excuse it.

Lust is not a mere “struggle” — it is adultery of the heart. Jesus lays this standard down in Matthew 5:28: “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Scripture provides the sound doctrine, but we are experts at trying to undermine it to preserve our own comfort. Struggling in sin and undermining sound doctrine are two very different things. If you are harboring covetousness for another woman while you are married, it is sin — period. Whatever the reason you conjure up to justify it, you are undermining the authority of Scripture which is also sin. If your partner withholds their marital duty from you, God knows that, but He does not accept it as an excuse for sin. Scripture lays down the sound doctrine, and it does not provide a “circumstantial clause” for lust. We are called to refine ourselves to Scripture, not to construct clever arguments to try to justify our own sin. You may ask, “Where is the line?” Again, God is looking at the heart. Our goal is not legalism; our goal is correct orientation with Jesus Christ, who is the way. Sound doctrine remains true no matter the situation, the times, or the trends. If you are looking to your circumstances to excuse your lust, you are not looking to Christ.

Scriptures Referenced (KJV)

1 key passage from the King James Version (KJV).

“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 5:28 KJV Read Matthew chapter 5 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Lust & adultery of the heart in the Bible

What does the Bible say about lust & adultery of the heart?
Lust is not a mere struggle — in Matthew 5:28 Jesus calls it adultery of the heart. Scripture lays down sound doctrine and provides no circumstantial clause to excuse it. Key KJV passages: Matthew 5:28.
What are the best Bible verses about lust & adultery of the heart?
The most important KJV passages on lust & adultery of the heart include: Matthew 5:28. Read all 1 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about lust & adultery of the heart?
The Bible addresses lust & adultery of the heart throughout both Testaments. Key references include Matthew 5:28. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about lust & adultery of the heart?
New Testament scriptures on lust & adultery of the heart: Matthew 5:28. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about lust & adultery of the heart?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 1 passages on lust & adultery of the heart at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.