While it is estimated that most men and a high percentage
of women masturbate, the subject is not discussed in the
Bible. Therefore there is no definitive passage that
speaks on the topic and whether it is acceptable or wrong.
Masturbation is the stimulation of one's genitals for
sexual pleasure. The word is derived from the Latin
word manus which means hand. Although the hand
is most often used, various other devices are also used,
especially by women.
The first issue of masturbation is the issue of sexual
gratification. It is a shortcut to the pleasure that
God made a part of sex. Anything that goes around the
purpose God intended something to have is a problem.
The second issue with masturbation is the problem of
lust. Although possible to masturbate without lusting,
the two typically go hand in hand. Jesus says in
Matthew 5:28, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a
woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in
his heart."
Masturbation within marriage may be acceptable if it is
directed at one's spouse as a part of sex. This
eliminates the problem of lust and also does not go around
the intention of sexual gratification inside of marriage.
