But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
All Commentaries on Matthew 5:28 Go To Matthew 5
Theophylact of Ochrid
AD 1107
. That is, if one stands gazing and examining, kindling desire by looking, and looking again to desire even more, he has already brought the evil to readiness in his heart. If he did not add to it the deed itself, what of it? He was not able. If he had been able, he would immediately have perpetrated the evil. But nevertheless understand that if we have lusted, and then were prevented from committing the deed, clearly we were protected by grace. And if a woman has adorned herself in order to attract others, yet does not succeed in attracting, she is guilty of having mixed the poison into the cup, though no one drank.
