What does Matthew 5:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:28 is a part of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus expands on the traditional understanding of the law and presents a higher standard of morality.

In this verse, He addresses the issue of lust and adultery, implying that sin does not only consist of the external act but begins in the heart and mind.

When Jesus says, "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart," he identifies that even the intentional and lustful look towards someone who is not one's spouse is tantamount to the act of adultery.

It's not just the act of adultery that is sinful, but also the intention and desire behind it.

Historical Context

This verse was spoken at a time when the Jewish society of Jesus' era was heavily influenced by the Mosaic Law. Adultery was considered a serious offense, often punishable by death. Sexual purity and marital fidelity were central to the cultural values.

However, Jesus highlighted that the Law was not just a set of rules to be followed outwardly, but it should reflect an inner righteousness. By extending the law to include even the lustful intent, Jesus highlighted that the true obedience to God's commandments comes from a pure heart.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the implications of Matthew 5:28 are profound. One perspective is that Jesus is advocating for purity of thought, emphasizing that sin begins in the heart. This challenges believers to not only refrain from sinful acts but also from sinful thoughts and intentions.

Another viewpoint could be that Jesus is illustrating the incapacity of humans to achieve righteousness through their own efforts since it's difficult to control even one's thoughts. This could underscore the need for divine grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, this verse has sometimes been used to discuss the concepts of temptation versus sin.

Some theologians distinguish between involuntary impulses and the conscious decision to entertain and nurture a sinful thought.

Practical Applications

In practice, Matthew 5:28 speaks to issues of personal morality and self-discipline.

It calls for mindfulness regarding not just actions but also thoughts and intentions.

Individuals may apply this teaching by cultivating self-awareness and taking active steps to avoid situations that could prompt lustful thoughts.

It also implies the value of nurturing a deep respect for the sanctity of marriage, whether one's own or others'.

In modern contexts, this might also translate to being cautious with media and entertainment, which often normalize and even encourage lustful attitudes.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:27: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:"
• Job 31:1: "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"
• Proverbs 6:25: "Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids."
• 2 Peter 2:14: "Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term for "looketh" (βλέπω, blepō) can mean to look at or upon, to regard.

The term "lust after" (ἐπιθυμέω, epithymeō) generally means to desire, covet, or long for.

The phrase "hath committed adultery" (μοιχεύω, moicheuō) specifically refers to being unfaithful to one's spouse.

The examination of these words emphasizes the intentional nature of the look that leads to desiring someone other than one's spouse, an act that in Jesus’ teaching equals adultery in the heart.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient cultures, Jewish law and the teachings of Jesus were unique in their emphasis on monogamy and marital fidelity.

Many ancient societies had more permissive attitudes toward extramarital sexual conduct for men.

In terms of religious interpretations, some Eastern philosophies and religions, such as Buddhism, also emphasize the importance of purity in thought and intention, though the context and underlying motivations may differ from the teachings of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, modern psychology would support the idea that behaviors begin with thoughts and intentions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for example, focuses on changing thought patterns as a way to modify behaviors.

Neuroscientific studies show that consistent thought patterns can actually rewire the brain, this could have some bearing on the idea of disciplining oneself to refrain from lustful thoughts.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and commentators have provided insight into Matthew 5:28.

John Stott, a respected evangelical author and theologian, regarded this verse as a call to radical purity of heart.

Stott pointed out that Jesus was cutting at the root of the problem by making the heart, not just the act, the focus of moral concern.

William Barclay, a Scottish Bible interpreter, stressed that Jesus was not condemning natural admiration of beauty or the innate biological responses, but rather the deliberate harboring of desire that objectifies another and seeks to satisfy itself outside the bounds of a committed marital relationship.

Matthew Henry's classic commentary also emphasizes the seriousness with which Jesus treats the inward sins of the heart and encourages watchfulness over our thoughts and imaginations as a defense against such sins.