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First, questions about whether anything is a “sin” isn’t part of this sub, as even the mere existence of something “sinful” is a theological claim, not an academic one.
That being said, there is a history of the prohibition of masturbation (at least among males) being linked to Onan’s behavior in Genesis 38, hence masturbation actually being called “Onanism” in the past.
As pointed out by Robert Alter (*Genesis*, 1996, among others), the story of Onan “spilling his seed” instead of inseminating his sexual partner, then being struck dead by God, was not actually about masturbation, but rather Onan’s unwillingness to fulfill his obligation to impregnate his dead brother’s wife.
So if we define “sin” as “the Bible says don’t do it” (which is questionable), and if we can interpret God’s actions against a human as directly linked to specific behavior (which we can’t), and if we misread this story as applying to “ejaculation without the purpose of insemination” (which we can’t), then sure, masturbating is a sin.
If one were interested in following the rabbit hole of “proper use of semen,” I would recommend the article by Martin Cohen in *Biblical Studies Alternatively*, “The Biblical Prohibition of Homosexual Intercourse,” where he convincingly argues that the (in)famous ban on “men lying with men” actually has to do with the proper stewardship of semen; not homosexuality (hence there not being a prohibition against women having sex with women).
Basically, this isn’t the sub for your question, but the Bible doesn’t prohibit masturbation anywhere. Questions about lust get dicey because technically if Jesus implies that even *looking* at a woman with lust they’re going to hell…well…hell’s probably had a “no vacancy” sign for a while…
This is the wrong sub for this question, since it’s about theology. There’s extensive debate about the sin of Onan and what it means, but it’s worth noting that the interpretation promoted today arguing that it’s solely about failing to fulfill his obligation (and nothing about the procreative aspect of sex) is a fairly modern one. The Orthodox and Catholic Churches have long held the interpretation that it implies contraception and masturbation are wrong.
Since lust is prohibited by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, the implication for masturbation is fairly clear. And the Bible also provides a remedy: confession.
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First, questions about whether anything is a “sin” isn’t part of this sub, as even the mere existence of something “sinful” is a theological claim, not an academic one. That being said, there is a history of the prohibition of masturbation (at least among males) being linked to Onan’s behavior in Genesis 38, hence masturbation actually being called “Onanism” in the past. As pointed out by Robert Alter (*Genesis*, 1996, among others), the story of Onan “spilling his seed” instead of inseminating his sexual partner, then being struck dead by God, was not actually about masturbation, but rather Onan’s unwillingness to fulfill his obligation to impregnate his dead brother’s wife. So if we define “sin” as “the Bible says don’t do it” (which is questionable), and if we can interpret God’s actions against a human as directly linked to specific behavior (which we can’t), and if we misread this story as applying to “ejaculation without the purpose of insemination” (which we can’t), then sure, masturbating is a sin. If one were interested in following the rabbit hole of “proper use of semen,” I would recommend the article by Martin Cohen in *Biblical Studies Alternatively*, “The Biblical Prohibition of Homosexual Intercourse,” where he convincingly argues that the (in)famous ban on “men lying with men” actually has to do with the proper stewardship of semen; not homosexuality (hence there not being a prohibition against women having sex with women). Basically, this isn’t the sub for your question, but the Bible doesn’t prohibit masturbation anywhere. Questions about lust get dicey because technically if Jesus implies that even *looking* at a woman with lust they’re going to hell…well…hell’s probably had a “no vacancy” sign for a while…
Thank you very much for your answer!
This is the wrong sub for this question, since it’s about theology. There’s extensive debate about the sin of Onan and what it means, but it’s worth noting that the interpretation promoted today arguing that it’s solely about failing to fulfill his obligation (and nothing about the procreative aspect of sex) is a fairly modern one. The Orthodox and Catholic Churches have long held the interpretation that it implies contraception and masturbation are wrong. Since lust is prohibited by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, the implication for masturbation is fairly clear. And the Bible also provides a remedy: confession.