In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus intensifies the traditional understanding of the commandment against adultery. He teaches that it’s not only the physical act of adultery that’s sinful, but also the harboring of lustful thoughts. Here, Jesus is elevating the importance of inner purity over mere external compliance with the law.
Jesus states, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This passage indicates that for Jesus, the moral and spiritual condition of the heart is as significant as the physical act. It’s a call to his followers to cultivate a purity of mind and heart, not just in actions but also in thoughts.
The hyperbolic language of tearing out one’s eye or cutting off one’s hand if they lead to sin serves to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the drastic measures one should be willing to take to avoid it. This metaphorical language stresses that it is better to lose a part of one’s body than to allow sin to lead one’s whole self into damnation.
Jesus’ words challenge listeners to reflect deeply on their intentions and desires, emphasizing that true righteousness extends beyond external actions to the thoughts and intents of the heart. This teaching not only reinforces the gravity of sin but also highlights the radical nature of discipleship that Jesus demands, calling for complete integrity and holiness in every aspect of life.
Jesus extends the traditional understanding of the commandment against adultery, emphasizing purity of heart and intention. Here is an explanation of these verses:
Matthew 5:27 – “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.” This refers to the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), where the people were traditionally taught not to engage in physical acts of adultery.
Matthew 5:28 – “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Here, Jesus goes deeper than the mere action of adultery, addressing the intent and thoughts behind the actions. He teaches that even looking at someone lustfully is akin to committing adultery in one’s heart, thus highlighting the importance of purity in one’s thoughts and intentions.
Matthew 5:29 – “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” This is a hyperbolic way to stress the seriousness of sin and the lengths one should go to avoid it. Jesus uses this strong language to emphasize that avoiding sin, even at a great personal cost, is crucial.
Matthew 5:30 – “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Similar to the previous verse, this metaphor reinforces the idea of taking drastic measures to avoid sin, focusing on the concept that it’s better to lose a part of oneself than to be led into sin that results in eternal damnation.
These verses underscore the radical nature of Jesus’ teaching, urging a profound internal transformation rather than mere external compliance with the law. The emphasis is on the heart’s condition and the importance of cultivating a pure and holy life in both thought and deed.
Intentional Faith 