Is Masturbation Sinful?

Masturbation is the act of bringing sexual stimulation to one's own body. The Bible (God's Word) has much to say about sex. Throughout its pages, it openly condemns fornication, adultery, homosexuality, incest, bestiality, and necrophilia. But it does not openly condemn masturbation. We cannot find such phrases as "Thou shalt not masturbate," or "Thus saith the Lord, masturbation is a sin" anywhere within the pages of God's Word.

One possible reason why masturbation is not mentioned in Scripture is that in ancient Middle Eastern cultures, most people were married by age 18 (as per the wishes of their parents). Naturally, by the time their hormones started "waking up," they hardly had to look any further than their marriage partners for sexual gratification.

Although God's Word does not mention masturbation, it clearly condemns lust. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 we read "It is God's will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen who do not know God" (NIV, italics added). Meditate upon this Scripture the next time you get the urge to masturbate.

Also look at Jesus' words in Matthew 5:28: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." In other words, "It is the thought that counts." It is usually somewhat difficult for a man to bring himself to orgasm without painting a pornographic picture in his mind. But God wants us to be pure in what we think as well as what we do (Job 31:1; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 10:4-5; Phil. 4:8).

What's more, you must remember that God sees you wherever you are. He is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (existing everywhere always). Can you imagine yourself saying, "God, I'm going to my bedroom to masturbate. I would appreciate the privacy, so please don't watch"? Furthermore, can you picture Jesus masturbating?!

Masturbation is all about lust, just as McDonald's is all about hamburgers. Since God's Word clearly condemns lust as sin, then I contend that masturbation is a sin by association. Perhaps you you've allowed masturbation to become a life altering habit that you just cannot quit on your own. If you are one of those people, then for you I have written another answer page titled, How Can I Overcome Sexual Temptation?