Can a person ever masturbate without it being a sin?

TL;DR:

Masturbation, by nature of what it is, is considered to be sinful. Believers, even married spouses who are apart, are called to pursue purity and trust God to meet their needs.

Masturbation is generally regarded as a sinful activity, due to its connection with lustful behavior, lack of self-control, and self-gratification. For more information on why that is, please read our article. Believers are called to resist temptation and pursue righteousness, even in our sexuality (Romans 12:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:22). While there may be exceptional circumstances where masturbation within a marriage might not be considered sinful, such as when spouses are separated and it is done by thinking about the other, we cannot conclusively state this. Even when separated, we can trust God to provide for our needs and look forward to reuniting with our spouses.

from the old testament

God created sex to be between one man and one woman in marriage (Genesis 2:23–25).
The Old Testament emphasizes sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18; Deuteronomy 22:13–30; Proverbs 5:15–20; Proverbs 6:27–29).

from the new testament

Rather than seeking a "loophole," or a way to make masturbation acceptable, Christians are called to "to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:1–2).
First Corinthians 6:18 also teaches that we are to "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body."
Scripture calls all believers to resist temptation rather than to seek ways to excuse sin. First Corinthians 10:13 is clear: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." When temptation comes, there is always a way of escape. Even when Jesus Christ was tempted after 40 days of fasting, He relied on God's truth to stand against temptation and follow God's will (Matthew 4:1–10).
First Thessalonians 5:22 says to "Abstain from every form of evil."

implications for today

It is highly unlikely that a person is able to masturbate without lustful thoughts, which would automatically make it sinful. Further, masturbation, by definition, is experiencing sex alone. This is not God’s design and purpose for sex. Sex was created to be enjoyed and experienced between one man and one woman in marriage (Genesis 2:23–25).

But what about situations in which husbands and wives are away from one another for a long period of time (such as in military service), and either spouse masturbates while thinking about the other spouse? This would also have to assume that the spouses have given one another permission to do so (1 Corinthians 7:4). At best, a person could say that maybe this would not be sinful. Romans 14:5 teaches, "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" regarding such areas that Scripture does not specifically speak against. Further, Romans 14:23 is clear that "whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." This means the conviction of the individual believers will play a role in such a situation.

So, while there may be a possibility that spouses living apart from one another could masturbate without adulterous or lustful thoughts, it would seem from Scripture that it is better to refrain. As the apostle Paul advised Timothy, "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). God can be trusted to provide for all our needs, including our sexual needs. There is no need to take matters into our own hands.

understand

Masturbation is generally seen as sinful, due to its connection with lustful behavior and lack of self-control.
God’s design for sex is within the context of marriage between one man and one woman.
Spouses separated for long periods may face unique situations, but Scripture calls believers to trust God with even their sexual needs.

reflect

How does your understanding of sexual purity influence your view on masturbation?
How can you trust God with your sexual needs, even if married?
How are you resisting the temptation of seeking satisfaction outside of God's design for sex?

engage

How can we support one another in maintaining sexual purity?
How do we reconcile the tension between what the Bible teaches about sexual purity and the practical realities of long-term separations between spouses?
How can we encourage others to trust in God's provision for our needs, even when it comes to our sexual desires?