Jesus Café Ministries - Scripture Squad

The Scripture Squad responds...

From: Michael
My son asked me if masturbation is a sin. As my family are fairly new Christians I couldn't give him a correct answer. I couldn't find anything in the Bible that addresses this subject. That is why I have turned to you. Thanks.

Dear Michael,
Let us answer the second part of your question first.

We don't know of any reference to masturbation per se in the Bible. Some people say that Genesis 38:9 refers to it but the text does not say so. For clarification I suggest that you read Gen. 38:1-10. In this account we see that Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, had three sons. 38:7 says that Er, the firstborn, was wicked so the Lord put him to death. It was customary for the next son in the birth order to marry the widow of the first son if he did not have a son. 38:8 says that Judah told Onan, his second son, to marry Tamar, Er's widow. Onan didn't want to impregnate Tamar because the son would be considered Er's according to Hebrew custom. Verse 9 states what happened when he and Tamar had intercourse.

Masturbation is not mentioned here but some people believe this occurred. Because Onan was disobedient to God by not impregnating his wife, the Lord put him to death.

Masturbation or "self pleasuring" is like many activities in life that are not mentioned specifically in the Bible. In the 21th century there are many things that can become idols in our lives and come between us and God. We can become "addicted" to sports, or video games, or TV or our computers. These are all "sensual" things, i.e. they appeal to our senses. Gluttony is another one, as is gossip.

As a general rule anything that negatively affects our walk with the Lord is sin and should be confessed and repented of. Whether it is substance abuse, idol worship, money or selfishness, we should deal with it with the Lord's help.

- The Scripture Squad :
TCCaleb, TCCaff, RuthCCC & DawnCCC