Can masturbation be regarded as a sinful act?
The Bible does not explicitly mention masturbation, but it does provide principles regarding sexual purity and the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Jesus teaches that lustful thoughts are sinful, even if they do not lead to physical actions. Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV says, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Masturbation often involves lustful thoughts or fantasies, which are considered sinful according to this passage. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NKJV teaches that sexual immorality is a sin against one’s own body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit: "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
While the Bible does not address masturbation directly, these principles about purity, self-control, and the sanctity of the body suggest that it is important to examine the motivations and thoughts associated with this act. If it leads to sinful thoughts, addiction, or hinders one's relationship with God, it should be avoided.
Updated At: 8/13/2024
Asked 889 times
Limited-Time Bonus:
Free 7-Day Devotional Guide!
Join 10M+ Christians Experiencing Deeper Faith



In order to use the app you will need an iPhone or Android smartphone.
Explore Questions
Curious if watching porn is sinful? Discover biblical perspectives and the impact on spiritual health.
Updated At: 8/24/2024
Asked 352 times
Discover what the Bible says about drinking alcohol and if it's considered a sin. Dive in now!
Updated At: 8/24/2024
Asked 302 times
¿Tienes curiosidad por saber si ver porno es pecado? Descubre las perspectivas bíblicas y el impacto en la salud espiritual.
Updated At: 8/24/2024
Asked 352 times
Descubre qué dice la Biblia sobre beber alcohol y si se considera pecado. ¡Sumérgete ahora!
Updated At: 8/24/2024
Asked 302 times
Wondering if cussing is a sin? Discover what the Bible says about it and how it impacts your faith.
Updated At: 8/23/2024
Asked 395 times
Aprenda sobre el adulterio, su condena bíblica y su impacto en el matrimonio según las Escrituras.
Updated At: 8/22/2024
Asked 132 times

Bible Chat App
The #1 Bible App for biblical answer
Join 10M+ Believers Growing In Faith With Bible Chat
4.9
Average Rating
|Over 5 Million Downloads
Discover Our Bible Lessons

Flat Earth in the Bible: Myth or Misinterpretation?
For generations, believers and nonbelievers have pondered the age-old subject of whether or not the Bible states that the Earth is flat. Ancient...
May 14 2025 - Melania Ciocianu

Jehovah Jireh Meaning Explained: The Lord Will Provide
In the heart of one of the Bible’s most gripping and emotionally charged narratives, the name Jehovah Jireh - “The Lord Will Provide” - makes it...
May 14 2025 - Melania Ciocianu

Old Testament vs. New Testament: Decoding the Bible
The Old and The New Testaments are bodies of texts central to two major belief systems: Judaism and Christianity. Together, they form the Bible,...
May 14 2025 - Ana Coteneanu

Is masturbation sexual immorality? Is it really a Sin?
Christian groups frequently engage in meaningful discourse and exchange viewpoints when it comes to the subject of masturbation. Although mastur...
May 14 2025 - Melania Ciocianu