Lust

Lust is addressed by Jesus and throughout the Bible as a matter of the heart and the eyes. This page lists those verses, which are often cited in discussions of pornography.

Jesus on lust

• Matthew 5:27-29
  ²⁷Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: ²⁸But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ²⁹And 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.
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The eyes

• Job 31:1
  I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
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• Psalm 101:3
  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
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• Psalm 119:37
  Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
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Desires of the flesh

• 1 John 2:16-17
  ¹⁶For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ¹⁷And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
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• James 1:14-15
  ¹⁴But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ¹⁵Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
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• Galatians 5:16
  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
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Flee and pursue

• 2 Timothy 2:22
  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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• Philippians 4:8
  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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• 1 Corinthians 10:13
  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
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See also

• Sexual immorality
• Sin

Notes

1. Verses are quoted in the translation chosen in the Translation menu at the top of the page. See Translations for sources and copyright notices.
2. Each reference links to the full chapter so the verse can be read in context.