Is Masturbating a Sin?

The topic of masturbation is a pretty popular one among single and married Christians alike.  Many people want to know, can I do it?  Is it sin? Is it wrong? Let’s take a look at what the Bible actually says (or doesn’t say) about masturbation.  

The Story of Onan

One passage people point to in this discussion is Genesis 38, which tells the story about a man named Onan.  There is a description of him spilling his seed on the floor, and then being judged by God.  Some people say he was judged by God because he spilled his seed on the floor, which in other words means he masturbated and he shouldn’t have. The true context of Genesis 38 is that Onan was in rebellion against God.  That’s why judgment came upon him. Most biblical scholars believe that this passage is not an explicit condemnation of masturbation.  

Cut Off Your Right Hand

A second passage that people quote in this discussion is Matthew 5:27-30:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell” (ESV).

Disconnecting Lust and Masturbation

While there is clearly a connection here between lustful thoughts and masturbation, biblical scholars agree that this has a broader implication of lust than only masturbation.  Nowhere in the Bible will you find a scripture that clearly denounces masturbation.  But I do want to say this: It is very difficult to disconnect the act of masturbation with sin because lust often accompanies the action of masturbating. 

You Already Have the Answer

So is masturbation a sin or not?  While the Bible does not clearly answer this question, I believe if you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit and are asking the question, you already have the answer.  

Preparation for Marriage?  

Now there are people who will say, “Well, masturbation is safe sex – it’s sex with myself.  It’s a way to remain celibate until marriage.”  I want you to have a greater understanding of God’s heart on this matter.  If you become accustomed to satisfying yourself on demand and you think it is good preparation for marriage, where you have to interact with another human being and sexually satisfy each other, you’re sadly mistaken.  Masturbation is self-centered, while intimacy in marriage is other-centered.  

Additionally, there is a direct correlation between porn consumption and masturbation. I personally counsel many church leaders around the world who have erectile dysfunction, but not from a hormone imbalance or from any physical or biological reason.  Their erectile dysfunction is porn- and masturbation-induced.  These people are so used to having sex with a screen that once they are married, they have extreme difficulty having sex with their spouse.  

The Reward Pathway 

The human brain works with impulses, stimuli, and reward pathways, similar to the famous Pavlov’s dog experiment.  If you provide a treat for a dog every time you ring a bell, eventually the dog will salivate every time they hear a bell because a reward pathway has been established in the brain.  If your version of sex is always connected to a screen, and then you get married, you may experience intimacy issues within your marriage because of the way you’ve trained your brain to respond to sexual arousal.  

Romans 14:23 (ESV)

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

If you feel trapped in masturbation, ask the Lord, “God is this Your best for me, or am I settling for less than Your best?” If you don’t have the gift of singleness, God wants you to be in a loving, covenantal, committed relationship with someone.  Stop settling for something that is not God’s best.  

Don’t be Mastered By Masturbation

Galatians 5:22 says “The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.”  If masturbation is mastering you, then you have two masters, God, and your sexual impulses.  The Bible says you can’t serve two masters – you’ll love one and despise the other.  If you’re being mastered by masturbation, then you need freedom.  You can find it today through the power of Jesus Christ. 

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