What does the Bible say about masturbation?

Dec 23

The Bible does not explicitly mention masturbation or self-gratification, sometimes referred to as "solo sex." In its silence, the Bible does not state directly whether masturbation is sinful. Some people view it as inherently lustful and always wrong, while others consider it a natural bodily function without moral implications.

Biblical Passages Often Cited

Genesis 38:9–10:
“But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He killed him also.”
This passage is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that "spilling seed" is sinful. However, God’s condemnation of Onan was not about spilling semen but about his rebellion and refusal to fulfill his family obligation by providing an heir for his deceased brother.
Matthew 5:27–30:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”
While this passage addresses lustful thoughts and uses vivid language about cutting off the hand, it does not specifically reference masturbation. The focus is on avoiding sin, including lust.

The Bible's Purpose for Sex

The Bible provides clear teaching on the purpose of sex, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 7:2–5:
“Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

From this passage, several truths emerge:

God’s plan for sex is relational, specifically within the covenant of marriage between a husband and wife (verse 2). Masturbation is an act disconnected from relationship.
Foundational to God’s design is mutual giving of one’s body to another (verse 4). Masturbation involves keeping one’s body for oneself.
When a couple abstains from sex temporarily, the solution is to "come together" again (verse 5). Masturbation, by contrast, is done alone.

A Biblical Alternative for Singles

For unmarried individuals struggling with sexual desire, Paul gives this advice in 1 Corinthians 7:9:
“But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Paul’s solution is marriage, not masturbation. Self-control is presented as the ideal for singles, with marriage as the proper outlet for sexual desires.

Common Arguments Supporting Masturbation

Some argue that masturbation is a "need" similar to eating or scratching an itch. However, the Bible does not describe sexual fulfillment as a basic human necessity. On the contrary, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:8:
“But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am.”
This implies that sexual activity is not essential for living a godly life.

Associated Sins

Masturbation is often connected to sinful behaviors such as lustful thoughts, inappropriate sexual stimulation, and pornography. These issues should be addressed directly. If they are resolved, the temptation to masturbate is often lessened. Guilt over masturbation itself may sometimes distract from the deeper need to repent of the sins leading to it.

Principles to Consider

While the Bible does not directly label masturbation as sinful, the following biblical principles are relevant:

1 Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
If an action cannot glorify God, it should be avoided.
Romans 14:23: “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
If one is unsure that masturbation is honoring to God, it is better to abstain.
1 Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Christians must avoid being enslaved by habits or practices.
1 Corinthians 9:27: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Discipline and self-control are critical for the Christian life.
Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and should be cultivated.
Galatians 5:16–17: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”
The Christian life is one of self-denial, not self-gratification.

Conclusion

For masturbation to be permissible, it would need to meet these criteria:

It involves no lustful thoughts or immoral desires.
It avoids pornography or any external sinful influence.
It aligns with a God-glorifying purpose.
It reflects full assurance of being good and right before God.

Given these qualifications, masturbation is unlikely to meet the biblical standards for a God-honoring activity. Self-discipline, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a focus on glorifying God should guide decisions about this and all other actions.