The Bible does not specifically mention masturbation, and therefore, there are no direct verses that address this topic explicitly. However, there are many scriptures that speak to the broader issues of sexual purity, self-control, and the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The following verses can be applied to the discussion on sexual morality, purity, and living a life that honors God. Each verse is accompanied by an 80-word commentary to help reflect on its relevance to the issue.
1. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This passage calls believers to honor God with their bodies, emphasizing the importance of sexual purity. It teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be used in ways that reflect God’s holiness. While masturbation is not specifically mentioned, the principle of fleeing sexual immorality and honoring God with our bodies can be applied to encourage self-control and purity in all areas of sexual behavior.
2. Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus teaches that sin begins in the heart, even before actions are taken. This verse highlights the importance of guarding our thoughts and intentions, particularly in the area of sexual desire. Masturbation often involves lustful thoughts, which Jesus identifies as a form of adultery in the heart. The verse encourages believers to pursue purity not only in actions but also in thoughts, striving to align their desires with God’s standards of holiness.
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
Paul instructs believers to avoid sexual immorality and to control their bodies in ways that honor God. This passage underscores the importance of self-control and sanctification in the Christian life. While not directly addressing masturbation, it advocates for the discipline of one’s body and desires, encouraging a life that is holy and honorable before God. This call to sanctification applies to all areas of sexual behavior.
4. Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Paul teaches that living by the Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh. This verse encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in resisting temptations, including those related to sexual desires. Walking by the Spirit leads to a life that reflects God’s righteousness, helping believers to live in purity and avoid actions that are driven by fleshly impulses, such as masturbation.
5. Job 31:1
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”
Job’s commitment to purity begins with a decision to control what he looks at. This verse reflects the importance of guarding one’s eyes and thoughts to maintain sexual purity. In the context of masturbation, this principle can be applied to avoid feeding lustful thoughts, which often precede such actions. By making a covenant with our eyes, we can take practical steps to avoid situations that might lead to sinful behavior and honor God in our thought life.
6. 2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Paul advises Timothy to flee youthful lusts and pursue godly virtues. This verse highlights the need to actively avoid situations or behaviors that can lead to sin, including sexual temptations. Instead, believers are called to pursue righteousness and maintain a pure heart. Applying this principle to the topic of masturbation, it encourages us to focus on what is pure and godly, seeking to honor God in both thoughts and actions.
7. Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive and godly thoughts. This verse encourages believers to direct their minds toward things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy. In relation to masturbation, this principle can help in avoiding thoughts and actions that are driven by lust. By filling our minds with what is good and pure, we are better equipped to resist temptations and live in a way that honors God.
8. Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Paul instructs believers to put on the character of Christ and avoid gratifying the flesh. This verse calls for a proactive approach to resisting sin, including sexual immorality. By focusing on living out the virtues of Christ, we can better resist the temptation to indulge in actions that satisfy the flesh, such as masturbation. The emphasis is on living a life that reflects Christ’s holiness and avoids behaviors that contradict it.
9. Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
Paul calls for the mortification of sinful desires. This verse teaches that believers must actively put to death behaviors and thoughts that belong to the earthly nature, including sexual immorality and lust. The call to put to death such things can be applied to the struggle with masturbation, encouraging believers to take serious steps in overcoming temptations and living a life that is pleasing to God, free from the bondage of sinful desires.
10. 1 Corinthians 9:27
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Paul speaks of disciplining his body. This verse highlights the importance of self-discipline and control over bodily desires. In the context of sexual purity, it encourages believers to exercise control over their bodies, ensuring that their actions align with their spiritual goals and do not lead to disqualification from God’s promises. This principle can be applied to overcoming the temptation of masturbation through discipline and reliance on God’s strength.
11. Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Paul exhorts the Ephesians to live pure lives. This verse underscores the high standard of purity expected of God’s people, with an emphasis on avoiding even the slightest hint of sexual immorality. While not specifically addressing masturbation, it reinforces the idea that Christians are called to live in a way that is completely free from sexual impurity, striving to reflect God’s holiness in every aspect of their lives.
12. James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
James explains the progression of temptation and sin. This verse teaches that sin begins with temptation and desire, which, if not controlled, can lead to sinful actions and ultimately spiritual death. In the context of sexual purity, this verse can be applied to masturbation, encouraging believers to be vigilant in controlling their desires before they lead to sinful behaviors.
13. Galatians 5:24
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Paul describes the crucifixion of the flesh for believers. This verse teaches that those who follow Christ are called to crucify their sinful nature, including its passions and desires. Applying this to the topic of masturbation, it encourages believers to put to death the desires of the flesh, striving to live a life that is guided by the Spirit and in alignment with God’s will.
14. 1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
Peter urges believers to abstain from sinful desires. This verse emphasizes the spiritual battle that believers face, with sinful desires constantly waging war against the soul. The call to abstain from such desires is relevant to the struggle with masturbation, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of holiness and to resist temptations that can harm their spiritual well-being.
15. Matthew 6:22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Jesus teaches about the importance of what we focus on. This verse highlights the influence of our eyes on our spiritual condition. In relation to sexual purity, it reminds us that what we look at can either fill us with light or darkness. Avoiding lustful looks and images can help maintain purity, which is important in the context of avoiding masturbation.
16. Romans 6:12
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
Paul warns against allowing sin to control us. This verse calls believers to resist the dominion of sin in their bodies, refusing to obey its desires. This principle applies to sexual temptations, including masturbation, encouraging believers to exercise control over their bodies and to live in freedom from sin’s power.
17. Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This proverb compares a lack of self-control to a city without walls. It teaches that self-control is essential for protection against sin. In the context of sexual purity, including the issue of masturbation, it underscores the importance of self-discipline as a safeguard against giving in to sinful desires.
18. 1 Corinthians 6:13
“You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.’ The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
Paul clarifies the purpose of the body. This verse teaches that our bodies are created for the Lord, not for sexual immorality. This perspective challenges believers to consider how they use their bodies, encouraging them to honor God in all their actions, including their approach to sexuality.
19. Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Paul urges believers to focus on heavenly things. This verse encourages a mindset that is focused on spiritual, rather than earthly, desires. In relation to masturbation, it challenges believers to elevate their thoughts and desires, striving for purity and holiness that reflects their identity in Christ.
20. Romans 8:13
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Paul speaks of living by the Spirit versus the flesh. This verse teaches that living according to the flesh leads to spiritual death, but living by the Spirit brings life. Applying this to masturbation, it encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome fleshly desires and to live a life that is spiritually alive and aligned with God’s will.
21. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.”
Paul calls for the rejection of all forms of evil. This verse is a broad command that includes avoiding anything that could lead to sinful behavior. In the context of sexual purity, it encourages believers to reject any practice or habit, including masturbation, that could be considered impure or harmful to one’s spiritual health.
22. Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the sanctity of marriage. This verse teaches that sexual purity is essential within and outside of marriage, highlighting the importance of maintaining purity in all sexual matters. While not directly addressing masturbation, it supports the broader principle of sexual purity and honoring God’s design for sexuality.
23. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James advises believers to resist temptation. This verse teaches that by submitting to God and resisting the devil’s temptations, including those related to sexual desires, believers can overcome sinful behavior. It offers a practical approach to dealing with temptations, including those related to masturbation, by encouraging active resistance and reliance on God.
24. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Paul assures that God provides a way out of temptation. This verse teaches that all temptations, including those related to sexual desires, are common, but God is faithful to provide a way out. It encourages believers to seek God’s help in resisting temptation, trusting that He will provide the strength and escape necessary to overcome it.
25. Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus advises vigilance against temptation. This verse teaches the importance of being watchful and prayerful to avoid falling into temptation. Recognizing the weakness of the flesh, including sexual temptations, it encourages believers to rely on prayer and spiritual vigilance to maintain purity and resist sinful behavior.
26. Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
The psalmist seeks guidance on living a pure life. This verse teaches that living according to God’s Word is the key to maintaining purity. Applying this to the issue of masturbation, it encourages believers to immerse themselves in Scripture, using God’s Word as a guide to navigate temptations and live a life that honors Him.
27. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
John speaks of God’s forgiveness and purification. This verse teaches that when we confess our sins, including those related to sexual impurity, God is faithful to forgive and purify us. It offers hope and assurance that, despite our struggles, God’s grace is sufficient to cleanse us and restore us to righteousness.
28. Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
David prays for a pure heart. This verse teaches the importance of seeking God’s help in maintaining purity. In the context of sexual temptations, including masturbation, it encourages believers to ask God to create in them a pure heart and to renew their commitment to living a life that honors Him.
29. Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Paul encourages putting off the old self and embracing the new. This verse teaches that believers are called to shed their old, sinful habits and embrace a new life in Christ, characterized by righteousness and holiness. Applying this to masturbation, it encourages a transformation of mind and behavior that aligns with God’s standards of purity.
30. 2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Paul calls believers to pursue holiness. This verse teaches that, in light of God’s promises, believers should strive to purify themselves from anything that contaminates body and spirit. In the context of sexual purity, it encourages believers to remove any practices, including masturbation, that could hinder their pursuit of holiness and their reverence for God.
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