What does the Bible say about masturbation?
The Bible does not mention masturbation by name, but it provides clear principles about sexual purity, the purpose of sexuality, lust, and self-control that inform a biblical response to the question.
Key Verses
9
supporting KJV passages
How to use this page
Read the full explanation, then explore each verse with its context. The FAQs at the bottom answer the most common follow-up questions.
Summary Answer
The Bible does not mention masturbation by name, but it provides clear principles about sexual purity, the purpose of sexuality, lust, and self-control that inform a biblical response to the question.
What does the Bible say about masturbation?
The word "masturbation" does not appear in Scripture. This means we cannot point to a direct proof-text, and Christians should approach the question with both biblical faithfulness and pastoral sensitivity.
What the Bible does address, extensively, is the broader context of sexuality and its right ordering. Scripture teaches that human sexuality is a good gift from God, designed for a specific context: the covenant of marriage between husband and wife (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). Sexual desire, in itself, is not sinful, but the expression and direction of that desire matters enormously.
The issue most frequently connected to masturbation in biblical discussion is lust. Jesus states plainly: "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). If masturbation involves fantasising about or visually consuming sexual imagery of anyone other than one's spouse, it falls under the category of lust that Jesus explicitly condemns. The imagination is not a morally neutral space.
Paul consistently calls believers to control of the body and its desires. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, he writes that God's will is our sanctification, that we abstain from sexual immorality and learn to control our own bodies "in sanctification and honour, not in the lust of concupiscence." In 1 Corinthians 6:12, he notes that while all things may be lawful, not all things are helpful, and we should not be mastered by anything.
The deeper biblical framework here is one of intentional discipleship: learning to bring every aspect of life, including sexuality, under the lordship of Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 includes self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. This is not achieved by willpower alone but through the ongoing work of the Spirit, renewed thinking (Romans 12:2), and accountability in community.
For those who struggle in this area, the Christian response is neither shame-based condemnation nor casual dismissal. It is honest acknowledgment, the pursuit of purity, and confidence in a God who "is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John 1:9) and who provides a way of escape in temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Supporting Bible Verses
Key KJV passages that speak directly to what the Bible says about masturbation.
Matthew 5:28
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Context
Jesus locates moral responsibility in the mind and heart, lust, not merely the outward act, is the spiritual issue that must be addressed.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.”
Context
Paul calls believers to control their own bodies in holiness, sexual self-mastery is explicitly identified as part of God's will.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
Context
The body belongs to God and is His temple, how we use it sexually reflects our understanding of that ownership.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Context
God promises a way of escape in every temptation, sexual temptation is not beyond the reach of His provision and our resistance.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Context
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit, it is produced by the Spirit's work in us, not merely by human willpower.
Romans 12:1-2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Context
The transformed mind is the key to transformed behaviour, including in the realm of sexuality. Change begins with the renewal of how we think.
Job 31:1
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”
Context
Job's famous resolution to guard his eyes illustrates the biblical link between what we look at and where our hearts and minds go, a principle directly applicable to sexual temptation.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Context
God's forgiveness is available for all who confess, there is no sexual sin beyond His grace and cleansing.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Context
Sexual expression within the covenant of marriage is honoured by God, His design is for sexuality to flourish within that specific covenant context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bible specifically mention masturbation?
No, the Bible does not use the word masturbation. However, it provides clear principles about sexual purity, lust, self-control, and the purpose of sexuality that believers use to form a biblical view of the subject.
Is masturbation a sin according to the Bible?
Most biblical scholars conclude that if masturbation involves lust or sexual fantasy about someone other than one's spouse, it falls under the lust Jesus condemns in Matthew 5:28. The broader call to sexual holiness and self-control (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) is also relevant.
What does the Bible say about sexual self-control?
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 explicitly calls believers to control their bodies in holiness and honour. Galatians 5:23 includes self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. This self-mastery is achievable through the Spirit's work, not merely willpower.
Is there forgiveness for sexual sin?
Yes. 1 John 1:9 promises that God is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." No sexual struggle is beyond His grace. Many believers have found freedom through honest confession, accountability, and the renewal of their minds.
How can a Christian gain freedom from sexual temptation?
1 Corinthians 10:13 promises God provides a way of escape in every temptation. Practically, this involves renewing the mind through Scripture (Romans 12:2), guarding the eyes and inputs (Job 31:1), pursuing accountability, and relying on the Spirit's power rather than willpower alone.