Can a person ever masturbate without it being a sin?

Quick answer

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.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

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

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

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

REFLECT

ENGAGE