Is masturbation a sin according to the Bible?

TL;DR:

While the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention masturbation, it speaks against lust and self-gratification and instead calls us to sexual purity and self-control. Pursuing God’s design for sexuality is where true gratification is found.

what does the bible say?

While the Bible nowhere mentions masturbation, and, thus, does not specifically state whether or not it is a sin, there are plenty of truths found in Scripture that help us determine if masturbation is a sin. Masturbation often involves lustful thoughts, sexual impurity, and self-gratification, which contradict verses like Ephesians 5:3 and Matthew 5:27–30. Sex was created as a gift within the marriage relationship between one man and one woman and was meant to be experienced as a selfless act of love toward one’s spouse (1 Corinthians 7:2–5). Selflessness and self-control are essential in handling sexual desires (Galatians 5:22–23). However, masturbation removes relationships from the equation and instead is self-gratification, often rooted in lust. When talking about masturbation, we must also address the root sins involved—lust, lack of self-control, and immoral thoughts. Regardless, masturbation is not unforgivable; like all sin, it should be confessed and turned from in pursuit of a life that glorifies God (1 John 1:9). God’s plans in His timing and His way for all things, including our sexuality, is best.

from the old testament

The most commonly used scriptural passage to point to masturbation is Genesis 38:9–10. Interestingly, in several languages, the word for masturbation is a variation of the name "Onan," the individual spoken of in Genesis 38:9–10. However, the passage is not speaking about masturbation at all. Rather, the passage is speaking of a man refusing to fulfill his duty to produce an heir for the line of his deceased brother.

from the new testament

Matthew 5:27–30 is another passage sometimes used to prove that masturbation is a sin. While the parallels between having lustful thoughts, sinning with your right hand, and masturbation are clear, it is reading too much into the passage to make Jesus's words directed toward the issue of masturbation. It is clear, though, we are to avoid lustful thoughts.
There is not to be even a hint of sexual impurity in our lives (Ephesians 5:3). Masturbation often involves thinking and desiring things that are sexually impure.
We must do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Is masturbation done for the glory of God? Or is it done to gratify one’s flesh and sexual desires?
God created sex to be experienced and enjoyed within marriage, between one man and one woman (1 Corinthians 7:2). Masturbation is experiencing sex disconnected from relationship.
First Corinthians 7:4 also tells us that sex is about giving one’s body to another. Masturbation is keeping one’s body for oneself.
First Corinthians 7:5 tells a husband and wife not to deprive each other of sex. And if there is a decided upon period of refraining from sex, the solution is to come back together and be intimate again, so Satan cannot tempt them. Masturbation is done alone.
Galatians 5:16–17 warns us about gratifying the flesh: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Masturbation is gratifying one’s sexual desires alone, not in relationship with one’s spouse.
Galatians 5:22–23 tells us that self-control is a fruit of the spirit. Masturbation is often a result of lacking patience and control over fulfilling one’s sexual desires in God’s way and in God’s timing.

implications for today

When the Bible does not specifically deal with an issue, general biblical principles must be applied. With the question of whether or not masturbation is a sin, several principles definitely relate:

(1) We are to avoid lustful/immoral thoughts (Matthew 5:27).

(2) There is not to be even a hint of sexual impurity in our lives (Ephesians 5:3).

(3) We should not do anything that we cannot do for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

(4) We should not do anything that we are not fully convinced is good and right (Romans 14:23).

(5) Our bodies belong to God, not to us (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

(6) Sex was created to be experienced in relationship with one’s spouse (1 Corinthians 7:2–5).

If an action is not in agreement with the above principles, it should not be done. Is there ever a time when masturbation can be in line with all these principles? It is hard to say, but for the most part, justification for masturbation cannot be made.

What is most interesting about the "is masturbation a sin" question is the fact that more attention is given to the act itself (which the Bible does not explicitly say is a sin), rather than the things that almost always lead to masturbation (which the Bible does declare to be sinful). The sins of lust, immoral thoughts, lack of self-control or patience, and pornography are what almost always cause the temptation/urge to masturbate. Rather than focusing on the final act, so to speak, more attention should be paid to overcoming the sins that lead to masturbation. Whether or not masturbation itself is a sin, and whether or not other sinful acts were involved, masturbation is not an unforgivable sin, nor should it lead to debilitating guilt and shame. Rather, just like all other sins, it should be confessed to God (1 John 1:9) and wholeheartedly turned from.

understand

The Bible does not explicitly address masturbation but warns against lust and sexual impurity.
God designed sex to be selfless and within marriage, while masturbation often involves self-gratification and lustful thoughts and is done alone.
God’s timing and God’s way, including for sexuality, is what is best.

reflect

How do your thoughts and actions align with biblical principles of purity, self-control, and honoring God with your body?
Are there areas where you struggle with lustful thoughts or self-gratification, and how can you bring these before God for transformation?
What steps can you take to rely on God’s timing and design for your sexuality, rather than seeking immediate fulfillment?

engage

What does the Bible’s emphasis on purity, self-control, and honoring God with our bodies teach us about how to handle sexual desires?
Why is it important to focus on the root sins—like lust, lack of self-control, and immoral thoughts—rather than just the act of masturbation itself?
How can we support others in pursuing God’s design for sexuality and resisting temptations?