Where in the bible does it say this about spilling the seed?

Answer 1

A1: Quite simply, The Bible says no such thing, in any translation. It is, as far as can be told, something someone made up along the way and claimed was in the Bible, but no one bothered to look. Much akin to the "God helps those who help themselves" phrase, which of course is also not found in the Bible. There is one reference to "spilling seed on the ground" and information on it can be found at the following Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onan or in Genesis chapter 38, about verse 9.

A2: The occasion of spilling seed on the ground in Gn 38:8-10 is often referred to as the sin of Onan:

And Judah said unto Onan, Goe in unto thy brothers wife, and marrie her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to passe when hee went in unto his brothers wife, that hee spilled it on the ground, least that hee should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did, displeased the LORD (Hebr. was evill in the eyes of the Lord): Wherefore hee slew him also.

Genesis 38:8-10 KJV (taken from an exact photographic replica of an existing original 1611 print)

Theologians have understood the sin of Onan as sinful for at least two reasons. One is that Onan was violating the Mosaic Law that required him to take special care of widows (cf. Holiness Code in Leviticus), as well as raise children for them. Although it may be argued that Onan antedates the giving and receiving of the Mosaic Law, it may also be argued that the Law was nevertheless written in his heart (i.e. conscience), which Law prophets such as Ezekiel and St. Paul would later point out are written in the hearts of all people in every generation.

A second reason theologians have indicated masturbation in general is immoral is because of intrinsic selfishness and lack of self-control over the gift of sexuality and the habits of mental faculties such as imagination that are involved in the act of masturbation. Catholic theologians in particular, along with Reformed theologians, have expounded eloquently on the virtue of chastity (i.e. the healthy, Christian integration of the gift of human sexuality into one's life), and the various forms it takes in various states of life; e.g. single, married, religious life, etc. For further study on these topics, see

Theology of the Body - Human Love in the Divine Plan, by John Paul II,

Love and Responsibility, by John Paul II and

Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 2352in the context of Article 6: You shall not commit adultery).

Answer 2

This is found in the book of Genesis 38:6-10 and is the story of Onan.

This is (or was) commonly used to justify fornication and adultery over masturbation. This is used a lot by some to "prove" that masturbation is a sin in itself. However, it is just one more misinterpretation of the story of Onan in Genesis. Genesis 38: 6 - 10, Onan's brother dies and Onan is left with the responsibility of marrying his brother's widow to provide an heir. Instead, Onan "wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother." This passage isn't even about masturbation; God struck Onan down because he selfishly refused to provide an heir for his brother's inheritance.

I do have to add this, if God truly struck down every man that spilled his seed on the ground (masturbated) because it was a sin, this truly would be a Woman's World as no Man (that I know of) would ever live past puberty.

Answer 3

Genesis 38:9-10 talks about Onan spilling his seed.

Answer 4

It implies that Onan did a bad thing.