46 Scriptures On Lust (KJV)

Lust is a powerful and often misunderstood emotion that can lead individuals down a path of destruction and regret. In the Bible, lust is not merely an expression of sexual desire but rather a deeper condition of the heart that can manifest in various forms, leading to sin and separation from God. The Scriptures offer profound insights and guidance on the nature of lust, its consequences, and how believers can guard against it.

Throughout the Bible, especially in the King James Version (KJV), we find numerous passages that address lust directly or indirectly. These scriptures reveal God’s perspective on lust and highlight the importance of purity in thought and action. The struggle against lust is a universal human experience, and understanding these verses can empower individuals to seek holiness and righteousness in their lives.

1. Matthew 5:27-28

“Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

In this profound teaching, Jesus redefines adultery, emphasizing that lustful thoughts equate to the sin of adultery. This passage highlights the importance of controlling not just actions but also thoughts, stressing that sin begins in the heart.

2. 1 John 2:16

“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.”

This verse identifies three main areas of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. John warns believers that these desires are not from God and lead to spiritual emptiness and separation from Him.

3. James 1:14-15

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

James provides a clear picture of the progression of sin, beginning with temptation. Lust is portrayed as the initial step that, if not controlled, leads to sinful actions and ultimately spiritual death.

4. Proverbs 6:25-26

“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.”

These verses warn against the seductive allure of temptation. Proverbs emphasizes the danger of lustful thoughts, which can lead to devastating consequences in a person’s life.

5. Galatians 5:19-21

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 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.”

In this passage, Paul outlines the works of the flesh, including lustful behaviors such as adultery and fornication. He warns that indulging in these sins can prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God.

6. Romans 13:14

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Paul encourages believers to clothe themselves with Christ and avoid making provisions for the flesh. This speaks to the importance of actively resisting temptation and seeking a life that reflects Jesus.

7. Matthew 15:19

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

Jesus explains that lust originates from the heart, illustrating the need for internal transformation. The heart must be guarded to prevent sinful thoughts from leading to sinful actions.

8. Job 31:1

“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”

Job’s declaration reveals the intentional effort required to guard one’s thoughts and eyes against lust. Making a covenant with one’s eyes symbolizes a commitment to purity and integrity.

9. 1 Corinthians 6:18

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

This verse advises believers to flee from sexual immorality. The urgency in the command underscores the seriousness of lust and its ability to affect one’s entire being.

10. Proverbs 4:23

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The necessity of guarding one’s heart is emphasized here. A pure heart leads to a pure life, making it essential for believers to be vigilant against lustful thoughts.

11. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.”

These verses provide clarity on God’s will for believers regarding sexual purity. They encourage a life of honor and sanctification rather than succumbing to the lustful desires prevalent in the world.

12. Colossians 3:5

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Paul instructs believers to put to death sinful behaviors associated with lust. The call to mortify these members indicates a decisive action required to live a life pleasing to God.

13. Hebrews 13:4

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

This verse highlights the sanctity of marriage and the purity of sexual relations within it. It serves as a reminder that God holds individuals accountable for lustful behavior outside of the marriage covenant.

14. 1 Peter 2:11

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”

Peter urges believers to abstain from lustful desires, recognizing them as a source of conflict within the soul. This acknowledgment points to the spiritual battle that lust presents in the life of a believer.

15. Matthew 5:29-30

“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. 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.”

Jesus uses hyperbole to stress the importance of eliminating anything that leads to sin. The severity of His words illustrates the need for drastic measures to combat lust.

16. Proverbs 23:7

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”

This verse emphasizes the connection between thoughts and identity. A person who harbors lustful thoughts reveals their true nature, underscoring the importance of mental purity.

17. Ephesians 4:19

“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

Paul warns against the danger of becoming desensitized to sin. Lust can lead individuals to a point where they no longer feel remorse, making it essential to maintain sensitivity to God’s standards.

18. Psalm 119:37

“Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.”

This plea reflects a desire for spiritual renewal and a commitment to avoiding lustful distractions. Seeking God’s help to turn away from vanity is a vital aspect of maintaining purity.

19. 1 Corinthians 10:12

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

This verse serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of pride and overconfidence in their ability to resist temptation, particularly lust. Humility and vigilance are key to standing firm.

20. Galatians 6:7-8

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Paul emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, reminding believers that indulging in lustful desires leads to spiritual decay, while pursuing the Spirit brings life.

21. Exodus 20:14

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

This commandment serves as a foundational principle regarding sexual morality. It highlights God’s expectation for faithfulness and purity in relationships.

22. Proverbs 5:3-4

“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.”

Proverbs warns of the enticing nature of lust and the deceptive allure of temptation. The consequences of yielding to such desires are portrayed as severe and bitter.

23. Isaiah 53:6

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

This verse underscores the human tendency to stray from God’s path, often leading to lustful behavior. Acknowledging our need for redemption is essential in combating lust.

24. Romans 6:12-13

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

Paul encourages believers to resist the reign of sin and to offer their bodies to God for righteous purposes. This call to action emphasizes the importance of making deliberate choices.

25. 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.”

Paul advises Timothy to flee from youthful lusts and instead pursue qualities that align with a righteous life. This illustrates the need for active engagement in virtuous living.

26. 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.”

The psalmist expresses a commitment to avoiding wickedness and lustful distractions. This verse reflects the importance of setting boundaries to maintain purity.

27. Proverbs 7:25-27

“Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.”

These verses serve as a stern warning about the dangers of lust and temptation. The consequences of giving in can be dire, leading to spiritual death.

28. 1 Peter 4:2

“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”

Peter encourages believers to live according to God’s will rather than succumbing to lustful desires. This shift in focus is crucial for spiritual growth.

29. Romans 1:24

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.”

This passage reveals the serious consequences of allowing lust to reign in one’s heart. It highlights God’s response to persistent sin and the resulting dishonor.

30. Proverbs 6:32

“But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”

This verse underscores the foolishness of lustful behavior. Engaging in adultery is portrayed as a self-destructive act, leading to spiritual ruin.

31. 2 Peter 2:14

“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.”

Peter describes the characteristics of false teachers who are consumed by lust. Their inability to cease from sin serves as a cautionary tale for believers.

32. Job 31:9-10

“If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door; Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.”

Job’s commitment to purity is evident in his declaration. He recognizes the seriousness of lust and the devastating impact it can have on relationships.

33. Ezekiel 18:30

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your offenses; so sin will not be your downfall.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance in overcoming sin, including lust. Turning away from sinful ways is essential for restoration.

34. Luke 11:34

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.”

Jesus teaches that the condition of the heart and mind directly affects one’s spiritual health. Lustful thoughts cloud the heart with darkness, hindering one’s relationship with God.

35. Romans 12:1-2

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Paul calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to resist worldly influences, including lust. Transformation begins with renewing the mind to align with God’s will.

36. 1 Timothy 6:9

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

Paul warns against the love of money and the lusts associated with greed. This highlights how desires can lead to ruin, emphasizing the need for moderation and contentment.

37. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

“And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.”

The author of Ecclesiastes reflects on the futility of pursuing desires, including lust. This passage serves as a reminder that indulging in such desires ultimately leads to emptiness.

38. 1 John 3:3

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

John encourages believers to purify themselves, drawing on the hope found in Christ. This verse reinforces the importance of striving for purity in the face of lust.

39. Proverbs 4:25-27

“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

This passage emphasizes the need for focus and intentionality in the face of temptation. Maintaining a clear vision helps believers avoid the pitfalls of lust.

40. Romans 7:5

“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”

Paul reflects on the struggle against sin in the flesh. This verse illustrates the battle believers face regarding lust and the need for divine assistance.

41. 1 Corinthians 9:27

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Paul emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in overcoming lust. He recognizes the need to bring the body under control to avoid disqualification from God’s calling.

42. 1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse offers hope for those struggling with lust. Confession brings forgiveness and cleansing, emphasizing God’s willingness to restore those who turn back to Him.

43. Matthew 6:13

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

In this prayer, Jesus teaches believers to seek God’s guidance and protection against temptation. Recognizing our vulnerability to lust underscores the need for divine intervention.

44. Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

Paul highlights the transformative power of God’s grace, which enables believers to deny ungodliness and lusts. This passage serves as an encouragement to live a righteous life.

45. 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.”

Paul advises believers to focus their thoughts on virtuous and pure things. This guidance is essential in combatting lustful thoughts and fostering a heart aligned with God.

46. Revelation 21:8

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

This sobering verse serves as a final warning about the consequences of persistent sin, including lust. It highlights the eternal repercussions for those who do not repent and turn to God.

Conclusion

Lust is a pervasive challenge in the lives of many, but the Scriptures provide a comprehensive guide for understanding its dangers and overcoming it. The 46 verses outlined above serve as powerful reminders of the importance of purity, self-control, and reliance on God’s grace.

By immersing ourselves in the Word of God and allowing it to transform our hearts and minds, we can resist the allure of lust and live in a way that honors Him. Each verse encourages believers to pursue righteousness and reject the temptations that lead to destruction. In doing so, we not only safeguard our own spiritual well-being but also reflect the character of Christ to the world around us.