Are wet dreams / nocturnal emissions sinful?

TL;DR:

Wet dreams themselves are a normal physical process and not sinful. However, if they are fueled by lustful thoughts or habits, the heart and mind may be improperly focused.

The Bible mentions nocturnal emissions in the Old Testament only in the context of ritual cleanliness, not sin (Leviticus 15:16-18, 32; 22:4; Deuteronomy 23:10).. Wet dreams themselves are a natural physical process and not inherently sinful. However, lustful thoughts, habits, or media consumed during the day can fuel sinful desires that spill into the night (Luke 6:45). The Bible calls us to guard our minds, filling them with what is pure, honorable, and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:8). This means addressing unhealthy patterns, whether that’s the shows we watch, the people we focus on, or the thoughts we entertain. True holiness comes not from controlling unconscious moments but from living a life centered on Christ so that even our hidden places are shaped by His truth.

from the old testament

In the Bible, the concept of wet dreams or nocturnal emissions is mentioned on some occasions as "emissions" in most translations (Leviticus 15:16-18, 32; 22:4; Deuteronomy 23:10). In the contexts where it is specifically mentioned, the only details are regarding cleanliness under the Mosaic Law.

from the new testament

Daytime activities influence our thoughts at night. Jesus taught, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45; see also Matthew 12:34-35). If we allow lustful thoughts or engage in activities that fuel our lust during the day, that will affect our dreams as well.
The Bible calls us to a pure focus: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). Christ’s followers are called to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Those who have a nocturnal emission or wet dream as a natural process not because of focus on sinful content have no need to repent. However, all Christians should continually evaluate our hearts and thoughts to ensure they’re focused on the Lord and His desires for our lives.

implications for today

Nocturnal emissions (also called wet dreams) are a fairly common occurrence among men. But are they sinful according to the Bible? The physical act of a nocturnal emission is normal, not sinful. However, at times a man's sinful thoughts or activities are causing the nocturnal emission / wet dream. Perhaps he has an unhealthy focus on people, thoughts, or media content that contribute to this activity.

If you find yourself dealing with wet dreams / nocturnal emissions, know that this is not abnormal or wrong. However, if you find yourself thinking about wrong activities before sleeping, the types of content you watch online or on television may need to change. It could be that you need to stop thinking about a particular person and/or stop spending time with that person.

While we cannot directly control dreams, we can guard what we feed our minds and hearts —filling them with God’s Word, prayer, and pure thoughts—so that even in our unconscious moments, we are training ourselves toward holiness.

understand

Wet dreams are a natural physical process, not inherently sinful.
The Bible urges us to guard our hearts from lust.
If a man’s habits are fueling lustful thoughts, those habits need to be changed.

reflect

How do you evaluate what you allow into your mind and heart throughout the day?
How have you seen your daily habits shape the purity of your thoughts, even when you are not conscious of them?
How can you invite God to help you live with a mind and heart more focused on what is pure and honorable?

engage

How does understanding that wet dreams are a natural process—not inherently a sin—change the way we approach this topic in the church?
What role do our choices (media, conversations, habits) play in shaping our inner life, and how can we evaluate whether these choices are good or harmful?
How can we encourage one another toward holiness by filling our hearts and minds with what is pure, lovely, and pleasing to God?