@LeeWoofenden I've heard this interpretation before, but how come I've never read a translation that reflects it? I don't know without looking deeper but at this point I suspect you're taking some liberties with word meanings that most other translators simply do not.

@fredsbend "Lust" is a very strong word in English. I think the translation does reflect it.

@LeeWoofenden I don't think a translation done today would be wise to use the word lust when other words would work, if it truly means what you say it means. Why not "burns with passion"?

I think that phrase actually is in Paul's writing. I'd have to search for it.

Besides, the exact phrase is "If you look at a woman lustfully ..." This implies the emphasis is on the looking.

> For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Cor 7:9

@fredsbend No, the emphasis is on the lusting. Men look at women all the time. It's only when they look with lust that there's a problem.

@fredsbend And yes, "lust" is rather archaic, as is "covet." But both, though archaic, are strong words. They don't just mean daydreaming. They mean burning with passion, ardently desiring. There's been a cheapening of the language in conservative readings of these passages until these strong words are made to cover every least little flicker of sexual thought or imagination.

God is not so naive as to think that men (or women) are going to walk around with sexless, neuter thoughts about every attractive person they see. Sexual thoughts and desires are built right into us by God himself. The problem comes when it goes beyond the natural sexual thoughts and daydreaming to the point where we are burning with passion for someone who is forbidden to us. That's what those commandments and teachings are really about.