To look at a woman lustfully is a studied looking with sexual intent. 1 It involves the contemplation, imagining, and planning of adultery (including sexual fantasies about someone who is not your spouse). 2 By equating lust with adultery in the heart, Jesus’ teaching is fully in line with Old Testament revelation (see Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 6:23–25; Proverbs 7:24–26), as well as Jewish rabbinical writings. 3 Outside of Israel, in Greek and Roman culture, however, many people considered lust to be a healthy and normal practice. 4
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.