Arun Kumar Engineer, Chennai, India

The only reference where we could find self masturbation in marriage is the story of Onan (Gen 38:9), for which God killed him. But the conviction projected here is ignoring God's will that he should marry his brother's wife and make children for him.

But I dont think the Bible addresses masturbation within marriage anywhere else. But the Bible is clear about the marital duties of couples. In 1 Corinthians 7:4,5 Paul instructs christians to fulfill marital duty between each other and also the body of husband belongs to the wife, not to himself and vice versa.

But it is highly probable that penetrative sex in a single position would always lead to monotony. So couples might try different styles and positions which also may involve masturbation either self or by the spouse whichever is acceptable by the spouse. Some times the wife might get tired being feeling satisfied after her orgasm and also might not endure further penetration. Hence at such circumstances, the husband may masturbate himself, since he has already satisfied his wife. 

Simply saying, anything is permitted in legitimate sex between couples, if both of the spouses agree on it and if they could derive pleasure out of it, except forbidden practices like swapping etc. Since the Bible is silent about masturbation, there is nothing is condemn it. Masturbation involving fantasies of someone else other than our spouse is certainly a sin. (Matthew 5:28)

October 30 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report