Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Introduction

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offers profound insights into the ethical standards expected of His followers. Matthew 5:28, in particular, challenges the very heart of human desire, addressing the issue of lustful intent. This verse presents a textual variation that subtly affects the interpretation of what constitutes adulterous intent according to Jesus. Through a meticulous examination of manuscript evidence and early Christian writings, this article seeks to discern the original wording of this pivotal verse.

Manuscript Evidence

The main textual variant in Matthew 5:28 revolves around the specific phrasing used to describe the act of looking at a woman with lustful intent. The critical question is whether the original text included a more explicit indication of the intent to desire, as reflected in different manuscript traditions.

Textus Receptus (TR), Westcott-Hort (WH), Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies (NU) Reading:
- Greek: πᾶς ὁ βλέπων γυναῖκα πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτήν (“everyone looking at a woman with a view to desiring her”)
- Manuscript Support: The majority of manuscripts, including Codex Vaticanus (B), Codex Bezae (D), Codex Washingtonianus (W), and the Majority Text, reflect this reading.
Variant Reading:
- Greek: πας ο βλεπωη γυναικα προς επιθυμησαι (“everyone looking at a woman with desire”)
- Manuscript Support: This shorter reading is found in P64+67, Codex Sinaiticus (א*), and early church fathers such as Tertullian and Clement.

Analysis of the Variant

The distinction between the two readings hinges on the grammatical construction that either explicitly connects the act of looking with the purpose of desiring or more generally associates looking with desire. The addition of “αὐτήν” (her) in the longer reading provides a grammatical clarification, aligning with a classical rather than Koine Greek usage, which may represent a later scribal refinement.

The presence of the shorter reading in P64+67, among the earliest extant New Testament papyri, alongside its citation by early church fathers, suggests a high degree of authenticity. This earlier form of the text emphasizes the immediacy and directness of the lustful act without the intermediary step of “with a view to.”

Theological Implications

Understanding the original phrasing of Matthew 5:28 is crucial for interpreting Jesus’ teachings on lust and adultery. The shorter reading underscores the gravity of lustful intent itself, without necessitating an explicit goal or purpose behind the act of looking. This interpretation aligns with Jesus’ broader ethical teachings, which often focus on the intentions and dispositions of the heart rather than merely external actions.

Conclusion: The Original Reading

After careful consideration of the manuscript evidence, internal coherence, and theological context, the original reading of Matthew 5:28 likely corresponds to the shorter variant found in P64+67 and supported by early church fathers. This reading, “πας ο βλεπωη γυναικα προς επιθυμησαι” (“everyone looking at a woman with desire”), captures the immediacy of Jesus’ warning against lustful intent, emphasizing the internal rather than external dimensions of sin.

This analysis not only sheds light on the textual history of Matthew 5:28 but also invites deeper reflection on the ethical demands of the Sermon on the Mount. It challenges contemporary readers to examine the purity of their hearts in light of Jesus’ call to righteousness, underscoring the transformative power of His teachings on personal conduct and inner integrity.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).