“Masturbation” – is it a sin according to the Bible?”

Let me start with this tweeet: from Eric, he says: “I didn’t know masturbation was such a rampant habit. It is widespread. I hear men from uptown are driving naked in their cars while masturbating. We must help these men. They need help. Masturbation is eroding men’s soul. It is a silent epidemic.” @amerix

Chicago Tribune puts it like this: Quarantining is hard as it is, but chances are it’s a bit tougher if you live alone. For single people, who may have spent time searching for love pre-pandemic by going on dates, swiping on dating apps, or engaging in the occasional hook up, the stay-at-home order likely has ended their love and sex lives as they know it. But that doesn’t mean sexual pleasure is over it just looks different, like engaging in more masturbation.

The guide gave residents “some tips for how to enjoy sex and to avoid spreading COVID-19,” essentially telling residents to either have sex with themselves or someone they live with. “You are your safest sex partner,” the guide said. “Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex.” ‘Masturbation will not spread COVID-19’: Solo sex is best option for pleasure during quarantine, especially if you live alone

This is another topic that many people don’t talk about it, both in the church and at home. Apparently, even pastors and church leaders have become captive of it. But is masturbation sin according to the word of God?

The Bible never explicitly mentions masturbation or states whether or not masturbation is a sin. The Scripture most frequently pointed to in regards to masturbation is the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9-10. Some interpret this passage as saying that “spilling your seed” on the ground is a sin. However, that is not precisely what the passage is saying. God condemned Onan not for “spilling his seed” but because Onan refused to fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his brother. The passage is not about masturbation, but rather about fulfilling a family duty. A second passage sometimes used as evidence for masturbation’s being a sin is Matthew 5:27-30. 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 are parallels between this passage and masturbation, it is unlikely that masturbation was what Jesus was alluding to.

While the Bible nowhere explicitly states that masturbation is a sin, there is no question as to whether the actions that lead to masturbation are sinful. Masturbation is nearly always the result of lustful thoughts, sexual stimulation, and/or pornographic images. It is these problems that need to be dealt with. If the sins of lust, immoral thoughts, and pornography are forsaken and overcome, masturbation will become a non-issue. Many people struggle with guilty feelings concerning masturbation, when in reality, the things that led to the act are far more worthy of repentance.

There are some biblical principles that can be applied to the issue of masturbation. Ephesians 5:3 declares, “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity.” It is hard to see how masturbating can pass that particular test. The Bible teaches us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If you cannot give God glory for something, you should not do it. If a person is not fully convinced that an activity is pleasing to God, then it is a sin: “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Further, we need to remember that our bodies have been redeemed and belong to God. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

This great truth should have a real bearing on what we do with our bodies. In light of these principles, the conclusion that masturbation is a sin is biblical. Clearly, masturbation is not glorifying to God; it does not avoid the appearance of immorality, nor does it pass the test of God’s having ownership over our bodies.