What does the Bible say about onanism?

Definition and Origin of the Term “Onanism”

The term “onanism” is rooted in the biblical narrative of Onan, described in Genesis 38:8–10. Although modern usage often connects the term specifically with masturbation, historically it has also been associated with the broader concept of deliberately preventing conception, sometimes by withdrawal (“coitus interruptus”). The name springs from Onan’s actions and the judgment he faced, which the passage records.

The Biblical Passage in Context (Genesis 38:8–10)

“Then Judah said to Onan, ‘Go in to your brother’s wife and perform your duty as her brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.’ But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he went in to his brother’s wife, he spilled his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. What he did was evil in the sight of the LORD, so He put him to death as well.”

In the ancient custom of levirate marriage, a man was obligated to marry his deceased brother’s wife if the brother died childless. This practice helped preserve the deceased brother’s family line and inheritance. Onan’s refusal to carry out this responsibility underscores the specific issue at stake in Genesis 38: he consciously prevented the continuation of his deceased brother’s line.

Historical Context of Levirate Marriage

In the culture of the time, propagating a brother’s name and lineage was not merely a family concern but also a communal and covenant obligation. This ensured property and heritage remained within the tribe and that the widow received protection and support. Ancient Near Eastern records (e.g., certain legal documents unearthed in Mesopotamian areas) reflect similar practices. The biblical text consistently frames marriage, procreation, and lineage within a context of covenant faithfulness, highlighting the gravity of Onan’s wrongdoing.

What Was Onan’s Sin?

1. Refusal to Honor a Sacred Duty: Onan dishonored his familial and covenantal duty by deliberately deciding that the offspring would not “be his.”

2. Selfish Motives: The text suggests Onan’s primary concern was self-interest—he wanted sexual intimacy without fulfilling the responsibility that accompanied it.

3. Misuse of Sexual Expression: By “spilling his seed on the ground,” Onan used sexual intimacy in a way that contravened both the preservation of the family line and the intended procreative aspect of that union.

While the story centers on Onan’s refusal to provide an heir for his deceased brother, interpreters throughout history have used this account as a principle indicating the misuse of the sexual faculty can be sinful, whether by intentionally avoiding procreation within marriage (where it was mandated) or by misdirecting sexuality for self-serving ends.

Masturbation and the Broader Discussion

Centuries later, the term “onanism” became conflated with masturbation. However, the specific sin in Genesis 38:8–10 is more accurately about Onan’s refusal to raise offspring for his brother rather than explicitly about self-gratification. Still, the broader biblical ethic upholds responsible, covenantal uses of sexuality.

Biblical Teachings on Sexual Purity and Intent

1. Creation and Purpose: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) affirms procreation as a blessing and purpose of marital intimacy.

2. Honor God with the Body: In 1 Corinthians 6:18–20, believers are urged to “flee from sexual immorality” and to “honor God with your body.” While this doesn’t mention Onan specifically, it underscores that sexual conduct should align with God’s design.

3. Intentionality in Marriage: Passages like 1 Corinthians 7:2–5 show how sexual intimacy is intended for mutual fulfillment and to strengthen the marital bond, always guided by selfless love and respect.

Interpretations and Moral Lessons Through Church History

1. Early Jewish and Christian Tradition: Ancient Jewish commentators saw Onan’s act as primarily a refusal of levirate obligations. Early Christian interpreters recognized a broader lesson that sexuality is never to be divorced from its faithful and responsible context.

2. Historic Christian Commentary: Various church councils and theologians, particularly in medieval and Reformation eras, applied the concept of “onanism” to both contraceptive practices and masturbation, viewing both as instances of sexual misuse.

3. Modern Perspectives: While some maintain a narrow connection to masturbation, others focus on the broader principle of sexual responsibility, faithfulness, and honoring God’s design for marital intimacy.

Practical and Behavioral Considerations

1. Heart Attitude vs. External Action: Scripture repeatedly addresses the heart condition behind actions (Proverbs 4:23). Even if a behavior is not explicitly named, the motivation and misuse of God-given gifts remain significant.

2. Counsel and Accountability: Those struggling with questions about sexuality often benefit from biblical counsel, prayer, and the support of a trusted community (Galatians 6:1–2).

3. Respecting the Purpose of Sexuality: Sexual expression in Scripture is consistently linked to covenant love, unity, and potential fruitfulness.

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence Supporting the Text

While the moral concern here does not require deep archaeological substantiation, it is noteworthy that reliable manuscripts of Genesis (including fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Masoretic Text tradition) confirm the consistency of Genesis 38’s account across centuries. Archaeological findings in the Levant also affirm cultural practices such as levirate marriage, underpinning the historical plausibility of events described.

Key Takeaways

• The account of Onan underscores the seriousness of disregarding one’s responsibilities before God and family.

• Traditional application of “onanism” often extends the lesson to caution against misusing sexuality, whether through contraceptive acts or masturbation, though Genesis 38 highlights the levirate context first and foremost.

• The broader biblical teaching invites believers to honor God with their bodies and uphold sexuality within marriage as a sacred trust for unity and possible procreation.

Conclusion

In examining what Scripture communicates regarding “onanism,” Genesis 38:8–10 forms the core narrative. Onan’s wrongdoing was his conscious refusal to fulfill a vital familial duty and his intentional misdirection of sexual intimacy. Since then, educators and theologians have used this passage to elucidate biblical sexual ethics and the importance of aligning personal conduct with God’s design. While the ultimate meaning of the text emphasizes Onan’s disobedience and selfishness, the principle remains that believers are called to use their bodies in ways that demonstrate faithfulness, covenant responsibility, and reverence for God’s purposes.