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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 5:28. It’s a really important and often misunderstood verse. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse isn’t about a specific action; it’s about attitude and respect . It means that any time you think or feel like you’re lusting after someone, even if you don’t act on it, you’re already engaging in something that is wrong – essentially, you're harboring thoughts of temptation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But I say unto you…” : This is Jesus starting a conversation with his followers. He's addressing them directly and gently. “…That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” : This is the key part. "Looketh" means “looks” or “sees.” "Hath committed adultery” means “has done something wrong”. “With her already in his heart” – this is the crucial part. It means that any thought, feeling, or desire to be attracted to someone can trigger this action. What does it mean practically? It's a warning against being overly preoccupied with thoughts of lust or temptation. Jesus isn’t saying you can’t have desires – we all have them! But he’s urging us to: Be mindful: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Don’t let them swirl around without purpose. Discern: Recognize when a thought is leading you towards temptation or unhealthy behavior. Control your thoughts: Jesus encourages us to actively choose good thoughts and actions. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse is significant because it highlights Jesus’s teaching about love, respect, and true holiness. He’s emphasizing that true Christian life isn't about avoiding temptation but about resisting it through a righteous heart. It’s about focusing on God’s will and living according to His teachings. In short: Jesus is saying that any thought of lust or temptation, no matter how small, can lead you down a path of wrongdoing. The key is to be aware of your thoughts and actively choose to live a life pleasing to God. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give examples of how this verse might apply to everyday situations? Talk about the context of this passage in the Gospels (like Matthew 5)?