Masturbation and Lust: A Theological Examination
Lust, in a biblical and theological context, refers to sinful longing or an inward sin that leads to a departure from God [1]. It is often described as the origin of sin, residing in the heart as the center of moral forces and impulses [1]. The concept of lust extends beyond mere sexual desire, encompassing any intense, often illicit, desire for something, whether it be food, wealth, or power [1, 4, 7]. For instance, the Israelites in the wilderness "lusted a lust" for meat, demonstrating a craving beyond natural need, which the apostle Paul interprets as "lust after evil things" [7, 10].
The Bible frequently connects lust with temptation. James 1:14 states that temptation comes from one's own lusts, which draw and entice a person [3]. This internal origin of temptation highlights the heart as the battleground for sin [1]. While God cannot be tempted by evil and does not tempt anyone, human lusts are the source of temptation [3]. Other sources of temptation include covetousness, the devil, evil associates, and circumstances like poverty or prosperity [3].
The New Testament particularly emphasizes the dangers of fleshly lusts. Paul warns against making "provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof" [8]. He contrasts the behavior of believers with that of Gentiles "who know not God," suggesting that ignorance of God leads to moral corruption and unchastity [8, 11, 12]. The apostle Peter similarly exhorts believers to "abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11) [2]. These passages indicate that lust is a powerful force that can enslave individuals, making them passive subjects of their desires [11].
Masturbation, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is often discussed in theological contexts in relation to the broader concept of lust and sexual immorality. The absence of a direct prohibition has led to varied interpretations across Christian traditions. However, the underlying principles concerning sexual purity, self-control, and the avoidance of lust are consistently applied.
One key principle is that of self-denial, which is presented as essential for following Christ and for spiritual warfare [2]. This involves denying "ungodliness and worldly lusts" and controlling one's appetites [2]. The apostle Paul speaks of disciplining his body and making it his slave "so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27) [2]. This self-control is seen as crucial for triumphing over sinful desires [2].
Theological discussions on masturbation often center on whether the act is inherently lustful or if it can be separated from lust. Many traditions view masturbation as problematic because it typically involves fantasizing or dwelling on sexual desires outside the context of marital intimacy, thus fostering lust [8]. John Gill, in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:5, interprets "not in the lust of concupiscence" as a warning against gratifying and indulging lust, and "to make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof" [8]. This perspective suggests that any act that intentionally inflames or satisfies lustful desires, rather than channeling sexual expression within its biblically ordained context, is contrary to Christian teaching.
The concept of "concupiscence" is relevant here. It refers to the inclination to sin, particularly to sensual desires, which remains even after baptism in some theological frameworks. The "first motions of sin in the heart" are considered concupiscence [8]. Therefore, even if an external act is not committed, the internal indulgence of lust is seen as sinful [1].
The early church father Augustine, as referenced by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, spoke of the "secret flame of lust, which lays waste the whole inner man" [9]. He suggested that "the dew of God's grace is needed to stifle the flame, which otherwise would thrust men at last into hell-fire" [9]. This highlights the destructive power of unchecked lust and the need for divine intervention and grace to overcome it.
Theological perspectives also emphasize the relational aspect of sexuality. Christian teaching generally holds that sexual expression is intended for the unitive and procreative purposes within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Acts that isolate sexual pleasure from this relational context are often viewed as falling short of God's design. The Tyndale House commentary notes that while prostitution was tolerated in the Mediterranean world, and Roman customs allowed men extramarital affairs, Jewish and Christian authors consistently prohibited all sexual involvement outside of marriage [12]. This broader prohibition informs the understanding of sexual ethics, including self-stimulation driven by lust.
Self-examination is encouraged in Christian life to discern one's motives and actions [5]. This involves a diligent search, prayer for divine searching, and a purpose of amendment [5]. Such introspection would apply to understanding the role of lust in one's life and seeking to align one's desires with God's will.
The Bible also presents a strong condemnation of selfishness [6]. Selfishness is seen as contrary to God's law, which commands love for God and neighbor [6]. It is characterized by pleasing oneself, seeking one's own interests, and neglecting others [6]. When masturbation is driven by a purely self-gratifying desire that disregards the relational and spiritual dimensions of sexuality, it can be seen as an expression of selfishness.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Lust — Sinful longing; the inward sin which leads to the falling away from God (Rom. 1:21). "Lust, the origin of sin, has its place in the heart, not of necessity, but because it is the centre of all moral forces and impulses and of spiritual activity." In Mark 4:19 "lusts" are objects of desire.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Temptation — God cannot be the subject of -- Jas 1:13. Does not come from God -- Jas 1:13. Comes from Lusts. -- Jas 1:14. Covetousness. -- Pr 28:20; 1Ti 6:9,10. The devil is the author of -- 1Ch 21:1; Mt 4:1; Joh 13:2; 1Th 3:5. Evil associates, the instruments of -- Pr 1:10; 7:6; 16:29. Often arises through Poverty. -- Pr 30:9; Mt 4:2,3. Prosperity. -- Pr 30:9; Mt 4:8. Worldly glory. -- Nu 22:17; Da 4:30; 5:2; Mt 4:8. To distrust of God's providence -- Mt 4:3. To presumption -- Mt 4:6. To worshipping the god of this world -- Mt 4:9. Often strengthened by the perversi”
- Psalms “Psalms 78:18 (Geneva1599) — And tempted God in their heartes in requiring meate for their lust.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Examination — Enjoined -- 2Co 13:5. Necessary before the communion -- 1Co 11:28. Cause of difficulty in -- Jer 17:9. Should be engaged in With holy awe. -- Ps 4:4. With diligent search. -- Ps 77:6; La 3:40. With prayer for divine searching. -- Ps 26:2; 139:23,24. With purpose of amendment. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Advantages of -- 1Co 11:31; Ga 6:4; 1Jo 3:20-22.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Selfishness — Contrary to the law of God -- Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Jas 2:8. The example of Christ condemns -- Joh 4:34; Ro 15:3; 2Co 8:9. God hates -- Mal 1:10. Exhibited in Being lovers of ourselves. -- 2Ti 3:2. Pleasing ourselves. -- Ro 15:1. Seeking our own. -- 1Co 10:33; Php 2:21. Seeking after gain. -- Isa 56:11. Seeking undue precedence. -- Mt 20:21. Living to ourselves. -- 2Co 5:15. Neglect of the poor. -- 1Jo 3:17. Serving God for reward. -- Mal 1:10. Performing duty for reward. -- Mic 3:11. Inconsistent with Christian love -- 1Co 13:5. Inconsistent with communi”
- Psalms “Psalms 106:14 (Rotherham) — But lusted a lust in the desert, and tested GOD in the waste.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 4:5: Not in the lust of concupiscence,.... Or "passion of lust"; for the mere gratifying and indulging of that; for a man so to possess his vessel, is to cherish the sin of concupiscence, the first motions of sin in the heart, by which a man is drawn away, and enticed; to blow up the flame of lust, and to make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof: even as the Gentiles which know not God; for, though they knew him, or might know him with a natural knowledge, by the light and works of nature, yet they knew him not savingly and spiritually, as he is r”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:9: if they cannot contain--that is, "have not continency." burn--with the secret flame of lust, which lays waste the whole inner man. (Compare AUGUSTINE [Holy Virginity]). The dew of God's grace is needed to stifle the flame, which otherwise would thrust men at last into hell-fire.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 106:14: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,.... Or, "lusted a lust" (p) as in Num 11:4 to which story there related this refers; they were not content with the manna they had every day, though very nourishing and of a sweet taste; they lusted after the fish and flesh of Egypt, and other things they ate there; so that this was not a natural lust, or craving after food and drink, to satisfy nature, which would not have been criminal; but a voluptuous last to gratify their appetite: it was lusting after evil tidings, as the apostle interprets it, Co1 10:6, lust after sin”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 4:5: in the lust--Greek, "passion"; which implies that such a one is unconsciously the passive slave of lust. which know not God--and so know no better. Ignorance of true religion is the parent of unchastity (Eph 4:18-19). A people's morals are like the objects of their worship (Deu 7:26; Psa 115:8; Rom 1:23-24).”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 4:5: 4:5 Willful ignorance of God and his ways is the root of moral corruption (Rom 1:18-32; Eph 4:17-18). • lustful passion: Sexual immorality was often tolerated in the Mediterranean world. Prostitution was allowed, but sexual relations with another man’s wife were prohibited. Roman marriage customs barred women, but not men, from extramarital affairs. By contrast, Jewish and Christian authors alike prohibited all sexual involvement outside of marriage (Acts 15:20; 1 Cor 6:12-20; Col 3:5-6).”