What Does the Bible Say About Masturbation?
What the Bible teaches about sexual purity, self-control, and lust.
What does the Bible say about masturbation? Explore KJV scriptures about sexual purity, lust, and the call to self-control.
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." — Matthew 5:28 (KJV)
Masturbation is not directly mentioned in the Bible, making it one of the more debated topics among Christians. However, Scripture provides clear principles about sexual purity, the dangers of lust, and the call to honor God with our bodies. Understanding these principles helps believers navigate this sensitive topic with wisdom and grace.
Key Scriptures 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."Read in context
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 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."Read in context
Galatians 5:16
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."Read in context
Colossians 3:5
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."Read in context
2 Timothy 2:22
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."Read in context
The Issue of Lust
While the Bible doesn't name masturbation, Jesus taught that lust itself is sinful (Matthew 5:28). Since masturbation typically involves lustful thoughts or imagery, many Christians consider it contrary to God's call to purity. The biblical concern is not merely with physical acts but with the thoughts and desires of the heart.
Grace and Self-Control
Struggling with sexual temptation doesn't define you — God's grace does. Galatians 5:16 promises that walking in the Spirit empowers believers to overcome fleshly desires. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us that God always provides a way of escape from temptation. If you struggle, seek accountability, prayer, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
A Prayer About Masturbation
Lord, help me to pursue purity in my thoughts, desires, and actions. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to resist temptation and to flee from lust. I surrender my body to You as a living sacrifice. Fill me with Your peace and self-control. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masturbation
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on masturbation.
Is masturbation a sin?
The Bible doesn't explicitly mention masturbation. However, because it is typically accompanied by lust — which Jesus called sinful (Matthew 5:28) — many Christians view it as inconsistent with God's call to sexual purity. The key principles are honoring God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and fleeing youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22).
How can I overcome sexual temptation?
Galatians 5:16 says to 'walk in the Spirit.' Practical steps include: fill your mind with Scripture (Psalm 119:11), avoid triggers (Job 31:1), seek accountability with a trusted friend or mentor, stay active in prayer, and remember that God provides a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
What is the main Bible verse about masturbation?
Matthew 5:28 is one of the clearest scriptures on masturbation: "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about masturbation?
Scripture addresses masturbation in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 5 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Matthew, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, 2 Timothy.
Where does the Bible first mention masturbation?
The earliest passage on this list is Matthew 5:28, in the book of Matthew. Scripture's full teaching on masturbation unfolds across both testaments — see all 5 verses above for the broader picture.
Is masturbation a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about masturbation? Explore KJV scriptures about sexual purity, lust, and the call to self-control. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Masturbation
Specific questions Christians ask about masturbation — each answered with KJV scripture.
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