Matthew 5:28 is mistranslated in nearly all Bible translations, and the mistranslation has been the cause of many false man-made teachings for centuries.
Firstly, the word translated "lust" is the word used elsewhere in the Bible for "covet" (and covetousness implies actual intent to possess something, not mere admiration). Secondly, the word translated "woman" is a term used throughout the Bible for married women, not single ones. Thirdly, the context of the verse is adultery (not fornication). Fourthly, the Sermon on the Mount was a sermon about the Ten Commandments, one of which was the commandment not to covet anything that belongs to others.
A translation of the verse that preserves its true meaning would be:
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a married woman to covet her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
Matthew 5:28 ...whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matthew 5:28 is mistranslated in nearly all Bible translations, and the mistranslation has been the cause of many false man-made teachings for centuries.
Firstly, the word translated "lust" is the word used elsewhere in the Bible for "covet" (and covetousness implies actual intent to possess something, not mere admiration). Secondly, the word translated "woman" is a term used throughout the Bible for married women, not single ones. Thirdly, the context of the verse is adultery (not fornication). Fourthly, the Sermon on the Mount was a sermon about the Ten Commandments, one of which was the commandment not to covet anything that belongs to others.
A translation of the verse that preserves its true meaning would be:
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a married woman to covet her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
You can find more detailed evidence here:
http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/women_sin.html
https://www.jasonstaples.com/bible/most-misinterpreted-bible-passages-1-matthew-527-28/
All your nitpicking doesn't change the meaning and spirit of Jesus' admonition.
No, but the centuries-old mistranslation changes it completely.
The sin though is clear...coveting that which you do not have.