What does the Bible say about masturbation and mutual masturbation?

by Ray (Ohio) Rick Brentlinger
Answers -

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Ray writes: "I grew up in the Catholic Church and was told that masturbation is a sin... I have researched... and discovered that it is never mentioned in the Bible."

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I think you are correct, that masturbation as such, is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. The passage most people use, as if it refers to masturbation, is Genesis 38:4 and 8-9. This passage does not mention masturbation.

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"I came to the conclusion that it is not wrong."

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There are other things to consider beyond the fact that there is not a specific verse prohibiting masturbation.

The problem with assuming masturbation is not wrong is the thoughts and fantasies a man tends to indulge while masturbating. And some men masturbate while watching porn.

To conclude that that conduct is not wrong is a false conclusion, in my opinion.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord." -Psalm 19:14

Jesus told us that what we think can cause us to sin.

"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." -Matthew 5:28-29, NIV

When the children of Israel moved into the land of Canaan (what today we call Israel or Palestine), God commanded them to destroy all the pictures of the Canaanites.

"Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:" -Numbers 33:52

The ancient Canaanites had pornographic images of people having sex on their pottery, their drinking vessels, in murals on their walls, floors and ceilings.

These images were often made to honor the fertility goddess. Their sexual activity linked to fertility goddess worship was specifically forbidden by God in Leviticus 18 and 20.

So, while it is technically correct to say that the Bible has no specific commandment against masturbation, if we are honest, we have to conclude that the illicit imaginings, daydreams and fantasies which often accompany masturbation are most definitely sinful.

All sin begins in the heart.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a close friend of Henry David Thoreau and owner of the little cabin where Thoreau stayed on Walden Pond, put it this way.

"Sow a thought and you reap an action;

sow an act and you reap a habit;

sow a habit and you reap a character;

sow a character and you reap a destiny."

"Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned?" -Proverbs 6:27

It is not reasonable to believe that one can masturbate on a regular basis or engage in mutual masturbation without indulging lustful fantasy in one's mind. And according to Jesus, that is sin. So while there is not a clear command of scripture against masturbation, scripture is clear that we are not to entertain lustful thoughts.

"For as he thinketh in his heart so is he." -Proverbs 23:7

"And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein; But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:" -Jeremiah 9:13-14

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" -Jeremiah 17:9 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:" -Matthew 15:19, spoken by Jesus

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"My question is, another single Christian friend and I were talking about my research and he asked me, "Well then would mutual masturbation be ok?" I set out to find the answer to that question and hit a brick wall. Is there anything in the Bible that covers that question?"

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Yes, I think there are verses which deal with people's behavior in sexual situations, some of which we've already listed. While these passages do not specifically address mutual masturbation, they do offer us principled guidelines to ensure that our conduct is pleasing to God.

"Now these things (from the Old Testament) were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." -1 Corinthians 10:6-11

The experiences of the Israelites are examples for us and God expects us to heed the lessons we can learn from their experiences. "And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)" -Exodus 32:25

The passage does not say that they were masturbating but it is clear that they were worshiping an idol, were naked and were having sex with people to whom they were not married.

The scriptural cure for sexual lust is not necessarily masturbation and certainly not mutual masturbation with someone with whom you are not in committed partnership.

The scriptural cure for sexual lust is marriage with an orientation compatible partner.

"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." -1 Corinthians 7:2

The passage addresses male-female relationships because those cover the vast majority, about 95% of humanity. For the 5% of humanity who are same sex attracted, precisely the same principle applies, yet with an orientation compatible partner.

1.Notice that scripture views sexual relationships involving one with whom you are not in committed partnership as fornication.

2.Notice further that to avoid fornication, we are counseled to have an orientation compatible partner with whom we can meet our physical, sexual needs.

3.Notice yet further that married couples (committed partners) are to meet each others sexual needs. Mutual masturbation is not mentioned as a God-approved outlet.

"The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." 1 Corinthians 7:4-5

Hope this answer is helpful to your spiritual life and causes you to draw closer to our Lord who loves you and bought you with His own precious blood.

Remember that our goal as Christians is not to see how much we can get away with because there isn't a specific scriptural command against it. Our goal as Christians is to glorify God in every area of our lives, including our thoughts.

Quoted: http://www.gaychristian101.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-masturbation-and-mutual-masturbation.html

Are nocturnal emissions or wet dreams normal or sinful?

by Interested Reader (USA) Rick Brentlinger Answers -

"If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, then he shall go outside the camp. He shall not come inside the camp," -Deuteronomy 23:10, ESV

"None of the offspring of Aaron who has a leprous disease or a discharge may eat of the holy things until he is clean. Whoever touches anything that is unclean through contact with the dead or a man who has had an emission of semen," -Leviticus 22:4, ESV

Masturbation is a common human experience yet the Bible does not specifically mention or forbid it.

Scripture does mention nocturnal emissions (also called wet dreams) in Leviticus 15:16, 32, 22:4 and Deuteronomy 23:10-11, about which, some thoughts.

Define Nocturnal Emission

"A nocturnal emission is a common biological function of the male body, a spontaneous ejaculation of semen while a man is sleeping.

This spontaneous ejaculation is necessary because a healthy male body constantly produces semen.

If a man does not have the outlet of intercourse or masturbation, the male body naturally expels the excess semen via nocturnal emissions."

1.Nocturnal emissions by themselves are not sinful because they are natural, involuntary and spontaneous.

2.Nocturnal emissions are designed by God to allow the male body to relieve itself naturally.

3.Some believe that nocturnal emissions are the result of indulging lustful fantasies or watching porn, although that is more conjecture than demonstrable fact.

4.Nocturnal emissions are sometimes but not always, accompanied by vivid sexual dreams. While the physical process of the nocturnal emission is not sinful of itself, as Christian men, we need to be careful not to feed sexual fantasies which lead us into sin.

5.We are encouraged to regulate our thoughts instead of indulging in sinful sexual fantasy.

"Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8

We've already discussed how fantasy, lust and wicked imaginations which often accompany masturbation, ARE sinful.

Is masturbation always sinful?

But what happens if someone masturbates without thinking lustful thoughts or has a nocturnal emission with or without lustful dreams?

The common sense answer seems to be, masturbating without sinful sexual thoughts would be like a nocturnal emission - a natural, God-given outlet which is not sinful.

A nocturnal emission, with or without sexual dreams, is an involuntary thing and therefore, is not sinful. While some might define nocturnal emissions or the vivid sexual dreams which sometimes accompany them, as sin, that is only someone's personal opinion. The Bible doesn't specifically address those issues.

Masturbation is also something which the Bible says nothing about and therefore, it is a matter of personal, individual conscience.

However, let's be completely honest. How many times does anyone masturbate without thinking lustful thoughts? While the 'relieve sexual tension' argument has some merit, nocturnal emissions appear to be God's built-in way to relieve sexual tension rather than habitual masturbation.

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;" -Ephesians 5:3

Christian author Steve Geralli, in his book, The Struggle, addresses the topic of masturbation this way.

“If we’re honest we’d have to agree that sexual thoughts, desires, arousal and even lust precede the need to masturbate. Once orgasm occurs, all of that is gone.

Masturbation is the end of lust, not the beginning of lust. Masturbation isn’t lust nor does it feed lust. It ends lustful episodes.

…there are many godly men and women who believe that because masturbation follows the lust and shuts down the process, it becomes the way out (1 Corinthians 10:13), that many people pray for.

For these people, this deliverance from lust makes masturbation a gift from God.”

This is an age-old question

Struggling with lust is not necessarily a new situation. Ancient cultures placed pornographic images on their pottery, their dishes, in their floor, wall and ceiling murals. Carved stone and cast metal statues glorifying the human body decorated ancient streets. Ancient literature and plays are replete with illicit sexuality and images designed to provoke lust.

Part of our difficulty in modern times is that we are constantly bombarded with sexual images in advertising, on TV, in movies, on the Internet, in magazines, newspapers, books, billboards, in novels, on transit bus advertising. Everywhere we look, everything we hear, from music to opera to podcasts injects sexual innuendo into our minds.

How do we deal with this sexually suggestive onslaught in a way that pleases our Savior? God leaves many things in the realm of personal choice. God gives us latitude to make decisions based on conscience and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

As human beings, God gave us a conscience to regulate our behavior in areas where He has not given specific commands. Hollywood movies, consuming beverage alcohol, going to casinos, reading novels, mowing the yard on Sunday afternoon and masturbating are all areas on which Christians hold differing views.

In no way is this an argument for sexual sin

It is important to note that frequency of masturbation factors into our discussion. Compulsive masturbation is more a clinical problem, different from occasional masturbation to relieve the build-up of semen.

Compulsive masturbators who regularly indulge sexual fantasy, using masturbation as a primary sexual outlet, rob themselves of the ability to enjoy true intimacy with others. Their sexual indulgence enslaves them to a habit that satisfies for a few seconds but ultimately leaves them feeling more lonely than before.

I believe that masturbation without lustful imagination can be a natural, God-given way to relieve sexual pressure without committing the sin of fornication (similar to nocturnal emissions).

However, given the way illicit sexuality permeates our culture, it seems difficult if not almost impossible for anyone to masturbate without drifting into sinful thoughts. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Go to God with an obedient heart and a tender conscience and seek His guidance.

Jesus said: "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." -Matthew 5:28, ESV

Each of us is responsible before God to live a clean life and to rule our thoughts. God expects our lives and thoughts to reflect His grace and holiness. Our thought-life should not be characterized by sin.

"Cating down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" -2 Corinthians 10:5

Quoted: http://www.gaychristian101.com/are-nocturnal-emissions-or-wet-dreams-normal-or-sinful.html

Is having a nocturnal emission (wet dream) a sin?

Having a nocturnal emission or a wet dream where you ejaculate semen is not a sin; just as a girl experiencing her menstrual period is not sinning.

In the Old Testament, God selected a number of things which many people naturally viewed as disgusting, dirty, or uncomfortable to talk about and called them "unclean." Unclean things were to help the people of Israel to understand the nature of sin and the spread of sin, even though the things called unclean were not in themselves sinful. For example, because of a pig's natural dirty lifestyle and its willingness to eat just about anything, it was called unclean. A dead body was unclean and touching it made the person unclean. God also selected two natural body functions for uncleanness: menstruation for women and ejaculations for men. For example, "If there is among you any man who is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, then he must go outside the camp; he may not reenter the camp. But it shall be when evening approaches, he shall bathe himself with water, and at sundown he may reenter the camp" (Deuteronomy 23:10-11). This meant that everyone would experience being unclean frequently -- just as sin is widespread and hard to avoid.

But keep in mind, that while uncleanness illustrated sin, the things causing uncleanness were not necessarily sinful. For example, in commenting about abstaining from certain foods, Paul said, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer" (I Timothy 4:4-5). Hence, Paul is saying there is nothing wrong with pork, in and of itself. It was a sin for a Jew to break the laws of uncleanness, but it doesn't follow that the items selected for the uncleanness laws were in themselves sinful.

What usually bothers most Christian men though is the nature of the dreams that often accompany nocturnal emissions. Frequently they are of a sexual theme; though, not always. This makes sense since the body, during the dream, is involved in gearing up for an ejaculation. You would expect that the mind and the body to be following the same general theme of sex. It is disturbing, though, to dream about things which are not proper for a Christian to do. I've known young men to be guilt ridden over the possibility that they might be a fornicator or a homosexual deep inside. We must acknowledge that while we are asleep, we do not have control over the contents of our dreams. Pray to God for protection from evil thoughts during the night, but realize that Satan tries us at all times. If you understand that homosexuality and fornication are wrong while you are awake, then don't be concerned about the thoughts that come during your sleep.

Quoted: http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVstudies/GrowingUpInTheLord/Boys/Answers/20070910i.html

Is a wet Dream / nocturnal emission a sin?

Question: "Is a wet dream / nocturnal emission a sin?"

Answer: Wet dreams / nocturnal emissions are fairly common in the lives of men. The Bible mentions "emissions" in a few places (Leviticus 15:16,18,32; 22:4; Deuteronomy 23:10). Deuteronomy 23:10 specifically refers to nocturnal emissions: "If one of your men is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he is to go outside the camp and stay there." Many young men (and older men) struggle with this concept. Is a wet dream / nocturnal emission sinful? How can it be a sin if we have no control over it?

Ultimately, we cannot control what we dream about or what happens with our bodies while we are asleep. However, if we are filling our minds with lustful / sinful things during the day, it will likely show up in our dreams. A nocturnal emission is a natural bodily function that is made more frequent by sexual over-stimulation. A nocturnal emission is not sinful in and of itself, but it can be the result of sinful thoughts, desires, and input. If you have a wet dream / nocturnal emission, examine your thought life. Examine what sort of images you are exposing yourself to. If you find that you have allowed yourself to be "inflamed" by lust, confess that to the Lord and asking for His help in overcoming it. In such a case, the wet dream / nocturnal emission is the result of sin, not a sin in and of itself. Follow the words of Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”

If you find that the nocturnal emission / wet dream was simply the result of the body naturally "relieving itself," you do not need to confess anything to the Lord. The Old Testament law was very ceremonial in its treatment of bodily discharges, for men and women. Thankfully, we are not bound by these regulations. A man who has had a wet dream / nocturnal emission is not "unclean." Again, the issue is what is going on with your mind. The reactions of our bodies are the result of what takes place in our minds (Matthew 12:34-35).

Quoted: http://www.gotquestions.org/wet-dreams.html

First sex a boost for men, not women

First sex a boost for men, not women By ANI ANI – Thu, Mar 24, 2011 3:15 PM SGT ..Washington, Mar 24 (ANI): Penn State researchers has found that having sex for the first time can improve or degrade your self-image depending on whether you are male or female. On average, college-age males become more satisfied with their appearance after first intercourse, whereas college-age females become slightly less satisfied. "We're not talking about 12-year-old girls having sex, so it's striking that even among these young women-who are 17 or older when they first had sex-their images of themselves went down," said Eva S. Lefkowitz, associate professor of human development and family studies. "If on average they're feeling worse about themselves, it says something about their development of healthy sexuality and healthy sense of self and being." Overall the researchers found that women became happier with their physical appearance from first to fourth year in college, and men became less satisfied with their appearance over the same time period. However, the researchers found the opposite directly after students had sex for the first time-males were more satisfied with their appearance and females were less satisfied. The researchers reported their results in the current issue of the Journal of Adolescence. (ANI) Quoted: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/first-sex-boost-men-not-women-20110324-001524-983.html

Holy One of God

If you met Jesus on the street, how would you react to Him? There have been movies and TV shows which depict exactly that. Some of these shows are more serious in nature, while others are much more flippant. Too often we see Jesus as a man. We see Christ as a person we could give a high five to. Even so, Christ loves about us, despite how naive we are about Him. Much in the same way that little children are loved by their parents because they are still somewhat naive to the world around them. Children do not understand anything but a simple relationship with their parents. Children do not understand everything that their parents do for them. Children do, however, understand the love that heir parents lavish on them. Not everyone is ignorant to the character of Christ. Note some of the encounters that Jesus had with demons during His ministry on Earth. They knew exactly who He is, and what He is capable of. Mark 1:21-26 shows one of Jesus' encounters with an evil spirit. This evil spirit in fact testifies to who Christ is in Mark 1:24 "I know who you are - The Holy One of God!" The enemies of God know exactly who He is. James 2:19 states, "You believe that there is one God. Good!. Even the demons believe that - and shudder." This is a challenge to you, to not only take your faith more serious, but at the same time, to take your God more seriously. We serve a God who is more than capable of helping us take care or our bills, or heal a disease of the flesh. He is Holy, and deserves to be treated as such. As Kim Riddlebarger says, "Repent and believe, because Jesus is the Holy One of God and in Him, the kingdom of God draws near to us." Living Life