One common question about biblical sexual ethics is whether the Torah commands that sex must only be for the purpose of procreation. This belief has circulated through religious traditions, but what does the actual text of the Torah say?
Let’s explore what Scripture truly teaches.
📖 The Story of Onan – A Commonly Misunderstood Passage
Many who claim the Torah forbids non-procreative sex point to Genesis 38:8–10, the story of Onan:
“Then Judah said to Onan, ‘Go in to your brother’s wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and 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 would waste the seed on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and He put him to death also.”
(Genesis 38:8–10, ESV)
On the surface, it seems like God judged Onan simply for “spilling his seed.” But a closer look reveals a different issue: Onan’s refusal to fulfill his family duty.
⚠️ What Was Onan’s Real Sin?
The law of levirate marriage (later formalized in Deuteronomy 25:5–10) required a man to give his deceased brother’s widow a child to continue the family line. Onan intentionally avoided giving Tamar a child while still using her sexually for his own pleasure.
His act of “spilling seed” was a deliberate refusal to fulfill God’s command, not a blanket condemnation of non-procreative sex. His sin was selfishness and disobedience, not simply the physical act.
📜 What Does the Torah Actually Say About Sex?
The Torah presents a rich picture of sexuality, emphasizing holiness, faithfulness, and family.
Here are the key takeaways:
Procreation is a blessing: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) Marriage is sacred: “The two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) Sex is not only about children, but also about intimacy and covenant unity
Nowhere does the Torah say sex must only be for procreation. In fact, the Song of Songs celebrates love and physical affection within marriage, without reference to children.
🕊️ Jewish and Christian Interpretations Through the Ages
In Judaism:
Orthodox traditions emphasize procreation as a duty, but they also celebrate intimacy in marriage. The Talmud discusses the emotional and physical needs of both spouses, not just reproduction.
In Christianity:
Some early Church leaders (like Augustine) viewed non-procreative sex with suspicion. But the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians 7:3–5, upholds mutual love, pleasure, and unity in marriage.
✅ So What Does This All Mean?
Let’s summarize:
No, the Torah does not say you must only have sex for procreation.
The sin of Onan was about disobedience, not birth control.
Scripture celebrates sexual intimacy within marriage as part of God’s good design.
🧭 Final Thought: A Biblical View of Sexuality
God created sex as a beautiful part of the human experience—not only to produce children, but to express covenant love and unity between husband and wife.
Let’s approach the Torah with clarity, honoring the spirit of God’s Word—not man-made rules that go beyond it.
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