Defined as intense sexual desire or appetite, lust involves objectifying another person for personal satisfaction. While various interpretations exist, common consensus portrays lust as an example of excess and lack of self-control. According to the Bible, this type of desire extends beyond physical attraction and encompasses a craving for anything that doesn’t belong to us. It warns believers against succumbing to lustful temptations, highlighting the importance of self-discipline, moderation and purity.
What the Bible says about Lust
The Bible discusses lust in various books, both Old and New Testament, to support the idea that its power is so deceptive that it can potentially lead an individual astray. Lust, according to these teachings, roots into one’s heart and mind, often leading to inappropriate behaviors, decisions and actions. The emphasis isn’t solely on sexual desire but extends to coveting someone else’s possessions, wealth, status, or accomplishments. In essence, the Bible portrays lust as a heart condition that reveals the true nature of our deepest desires.
Why Lust is seen as a Sin in the Bible
In the Bible, lust is often categorized as a sin because it distorts the essence of love. Love, according to biblical teachings, is selfless and considers the well-being of others. In contrast, lust is fundamentally about self-indulgence and personal satisfaction, making it incompatible with love’s selfless nature. Moreover, the Bible emphasizes that lustful desires lead to sin, which separates people from God. Hence, believers are encouraged to exercise self-control and moderation to avoid falling prey to lustful desires.
Who the Bible Advises to Guard Against Lust
The Bible advises everyone, irrespective of their age, sex, or status, to guard against lust. It proposes that the human heart is inherently susceptible to detrimental desires and everyone must be cautious. The teachings imply that lust is not solely a young man’s problem or an issue confined to a specific group. It is rather an universal concern that has the potential to lead anyone astray. By stating this, the Bible underscores the universal struggle against lust and the importance of vigilance and self-discipline for everyone.
When the Bible Encourages Believers to Resist Lust
The Bible encourages believers to resist lust at all instances, suggesting that there’s never a right time to give into such desires. It teaches that lustful thoughts can take root at any moment, being continuous and persistent. In these instances, individuals are encouraged to rely on their faith and maintain self-control rather than succumbing to temptation. The Bible emphasizes the ongoing battle against lust and the responsibility of each believer to resist its allure throughout their lives.
How the Bible Encourages Overcoming Lust
The Bible offers guidance on overcoming lust by focusing on purity of thought and action. It encourages believers to fill their minds with virtuous thoughts and to make moral integrity a central part of their lives. The practice of self-discipline is credited as an effective way of resisting temptation. Prayers and faith are spoken of as powerful tools to gain strength in moments of weakness. Finally, the Bible encourages believers to emulate the life of Jesus Christ, who exemplified how to lead a life free from lust.
Below is the full list of bible verses on lust (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Lust
Matthew 5:28
“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.”
1 John 2:16
“16 For 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.”
Galatians 5:16
“16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Related Themes: Sin Holy Spirit Indulgence
Colossians 3:5
“5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
2 Timothy 2:22
“22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Job 31:1
“1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”
Related Themes: Impurity Self-Control Purity Eyes
1 Corinthians 6:18
“18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
1 Peter 2:11
“11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”
Related Themes: Strangers Reputation Addiction Morality
Proverbs 6:25
“25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.”
James 1:14-15
“14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Related Themes: Coveting Indulgence
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:”
Galatians 5:19-21
“19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Abomination Bitterness Adultery
Hebrews 13:4
“4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Romans 13:14
“14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
Related Themes: Purity Addiction Gluttony Indulgence
1 Corinthians 6:13
“13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.”
Exodus 20:17
“17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Related Themes: Coveting Envy And Jealousy Adultery Greed
James 1:14
“14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
Related Themes: Coveting Indulgence
Romans 8:6
“6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Romans 7:7
“7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
James 1:15
“15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Related Themes: Sin Indulgence
Genesis 3:6
“6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Abomination Abomination
Ephesians 4:22
“22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”
Related Themes: New Beginnings New Life Attitude Dating
Galatians 5:24
“24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Morality Reaping What You Sow
2 Corinthians 10:5
“5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Related Themes: Arguing Attitude Fidelity Bitterness
Galatians 5:17
“17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“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.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Addiction Strength Temptation
1 John 2:15-17
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For 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.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Related Themes: Pride Money Social Justice
Matthew 5:27-28
“27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: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.”
Related Themes: Adultery
