Masturbation and Premarital Intercourse in Marriage
The biblical understanding of marriage and sexual intimacy is rooted in the creation narrative, where marriage is instituted in Paradise as a union between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:18-24) [1]. This original charter is confirmed by Jesus, establishing monogamy as the foundational law of marriage (Matt. 19:4-5). The biblical text emphasizes the mutual rights and responsibilities of spouses in marriage, particularly in the context of sexual intimacy.
In 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, Paul instructs married Christians to be considerate of each other's sexual needs, emphasizing that sexual intimacy is a mutual right within marriage [2]. This mutual authority over each other's bodies is a key aspect of the marital relationship. The biblical text also underscores the importance of fidelity and chastity within marriage, with laws and teachings aimed at promoting these values (Deu. 22:13-21) [4].
The biblical perspective on sexual intimacy outside of marriage is clear: it is considered immoral and is prohibited. The apostle Paul warns against sexual immorality, emphasizing that it is a willful ignorance of God's ways (1 Thess. 4:5) [3]. The biblical text associates sexual immorality with a lack of self-control and a disregard for God's moral order.
In the context of marriage, the biblical text addresses the issue of premarital intercourse. In ancient Jewish tradition, engagement or betrothal was considered a permanent relationship that could only be broken through legal process (Deut. 22:23-24; Matt. 1:18, 20) [5]. This understanding highlights the seriousness with which the biblical text views commitments made in the context of marriage.
The question of masturbation is not directly addressed in the biblical text. However, the emphasis on sexual purity and the avoidance of lustful passion provides a framework for understanding the biblical perspective on this issue (1 Thess. 4:5) [3]. Some traditions interpret the biblical emphasis on self-control and purity as implying that masturbation is not in line with biblical teachings on sexual morality.
Historically, various Christian traditions have grappled with these issues. The Puritan tradition, for example, emphasized the importance of enjoying the "comforts of lawful marriage" as a means of preventing uncleanness [6]. This perspective underscores the value of sexual intimacy within marriage as a God-given gift.
The Methodist tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, views adultery as a serious offense that involves both the act itself and any actions leading to it, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the commandment against adultery (Exod. 20:14) [7]. This understanding is echoed in the Protestant academic interpretation of Hebrews 13:4, which highlights the importance of honoring marriage and avoiding immoral behavior [8].
The biblical text does not provide explicit teachings on masturbation, but its emphasis on sexual purity and the importance of marriage provides a framework for understanding the Christian perspective on sexual ethics. The various Christian traditions represented in the sources emphasize the importance of fidelity, chastity, and self-control in matters of sexual intimacy.
The biblical understanding of marriage and sexual intimacy continues to shape Christian thought and practice today, with different traditions interpreting and applying these principles in various ways. The emphasis on mutual respect, fidelity, and self-control within marriage remains a common thread across these traditions. As the biblical text underscores, marriage is a sacred institution that is foundational to human society, and its integrity is to be protected and honored [1, 8].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Marriage — Was instituted in Paradise when man was in innocence (Gen. 2:18-24). Here we have its original charter, which was confirmed by our Lord, as the basis on which all regulations are to be framed (Matt. 19:4, 5). It is evident that monogamy was the original law of marriage (Matt. 19:5; 1 Cor. 6:16). This law was violated in after times, when corrupt usages began to be introduced (Gen. 4:19; 6:2). We meet with the prevalence of polygamy and concubinage in the patriarchal age (Gen. 16:1-4; 22:21-24; 28:8, 9; 29:23-30, etc.). Polygamy was acknowledged in the Mosa”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 7:3: 7:3-4 Because of the temptation to sexual immorality, married Christians must always be considerate of the sexual needs of their spouses. Sexual intimacy is a mutual right for both spouses in a marriage and must not be withheld. Marriage includes yielding the authority over one’s body to one’s spouse, though such authority is clearly not to be abused.”
- 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).”
- Deuteronomy (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Deuteronomy 22:13: Laws of Chastity and Marriage. - Higher and still holier than the order of nature stands the moral order of marriage, upon which the well-being not only of domestic life, but also of the civil commonwealth of nations, depends. Marriage must be founded upon fidelity and chastity on the part of those who are married. To foster this, and secure it against outbreaks of malice and evil lust, was the design and object of the laws which follow. The first (Deu 22:13-21) relates to the chastity of a woman on entering into the married state, which might be called i”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 1:18: 1:18 Jesus the Messiah (literally Jesus the Christ): Using Messiah in the translation accurately communicates that it is a title rather than a personal name (“Jesus Christ”). • engaged to be married: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) meant a permanent relationship (Mal 2:14) that could be broken only by legal process; thus, Mary was considered Joseph’s wife and he her husband (see Matt 1:20; Deut 22:23-24), even though they had not had sexual relations. Mary’s status as a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception through the power of the Holy Spirit helps authe”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 5:15: Solomon, having shown the great evil that there is in adultery and fornication, and all such lewd and filthy courses, here prescribes remedies against them. I. Enjoy with satisfaction the comforts of lawful marriage, which was ordained for the prevention of uncleanness, and therefore ought to be made use of in time, lest it should not prove effectual for the cure of that which it might have prevented. Let none complain that God has dealt unkindly with them in forbidding them those pleasures which they have a natural desire of, for he has graciously provided for ”
- Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 20:14: Thou shalt not commit adultery - Adultery, as defined by our laws, is of two kinds; double, when between two married persons; single, when one of the parties is married, the other single. One principal part of the criminality of adultery consists in its injustice. 1. It robs a man of his right by taking from him the affection of his wife. 2. It does him a wrong by fathering on him and obliging him to maintain as his own a spurious offspring - a child which is not his. The act itself, and every thing leading to the act, is prohibited by this commandment; for our Lor”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 13:4: 13:4 Give honor to marriage means to protect it and hold it as highly valuable. • Immoral refers to all sexually illicit behavior. • Adultery breaks the marriage vow by engaging in sexual activity outside the marriage relationship.”