(1) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). So, is masturbation a sin? The Bible does not directly answer this question, but there definitely are some biblical principles to apply: Many people struggle with guilt concerning masturbation, when, in reality, they would be better off repenting of the sins that lead them to masturbate. If these problems are tackled, masturbation becomes less of a temptation. On the contrary, Paul says to the unmarried, “It’s better to stay unmarried” (1 Corinthians 7:8, NLT).Ĭertain actions often associated with masturbation are sinful and should be dealt with: lustful thoughts, inappropriate sexual stimulation, and pornography use, for example. However, the Bible never presents sexual fulfillment as a need. Those who believe that masturbation has no moral or ethical import argue that masturbation is a “need” akin to the need to eat or the need to scratch an itch. To singles who lack self-control, Paul does not say, “Let them masturbate” he says, “Let them marry.” Again, marriage is the God-given outlet for sexual yearnings. Masturbation is done alone, not together.įirst Corinthians 7:9 identifies the proper outlet for single people who struggle with sexual desire: “If they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Paul suggests that self-control is the best avenue. The solution to a time of deprivation is to “come together” (verse 5). Masturbation is the keeping of one’s body to oneself. Foundational to God’s plan for sex is giving one’s body to another (verse 4). Masturbation is sex disconnected from relationship. God’s plan for sex requires relationship, namely, that of a husband and wife (verse 2). Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” Implicit in this passage are these truths: Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. According to 1 Corinthians 7:2–5, “Each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. Though the Bible nowhere explicitly addresses masturbation, it does outline the purpose of sex. Jesus speaks against having lustful thoughts and then says, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” While there is often a connection between lustful thoughts and masturbation, it is unlikely that Jesus was alluding to the specific sin of masturbation in this passage. The passage is not about masturbation but about fulfilling a family obligation.Ī second passage sometimes used as evidence that masturbation is a sin is Matthew 5:27–30. Onan refused to fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his deceased brother. God condemned Onan not for “spilling his seed” but because Onan was rebellious. However, that is not what the passage is saying. Some interpret this passage to say that “spilling seed”-the squandering of semen-is a sin. A passage frequently associated with masturbation is the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9–10.
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