Knowing The Word in Matthew 5:27-30

Lust

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman [the Greek term almost always means a married woman or wife] with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [Not only the adultery but the lust which causes it is condemned. Jesus is not trying to prohibit natural sexual attraction but illicit relationships.] 29 If your right eye [which should keep you from stumbling] causes you to sin [to stumble], tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. [The avoidance of temptation may require drastic sacrifices, which may include the ending of relationships and/or activities. The point being it is better to give up something than to lose yourself.]