Celibacy is a topic that has been discussed for centuries, especially in religious contexts. Whether chosen for spiritual reasons or personal ones, what does the Bible have to say about living a celibate life? Are there examples of celibacy in Scripture, and what guidance does it provide for those who choose this path?
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What Does The Bible Say About celibacy
Matthew 19:12
“For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others–and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
This verse recognizes and affirms the choice of celibacy for the sake of dedicating one’s life entirely to the Kingdom of God. It acknowledges that some people willingly choose a life of celibacy in order to focus on their spiritual growth and service in the kingdom. Celibacy can be seen as a way of surrendering personal desires and ambitions for the greater purpose of serving God.
1 Corinthians 7:32-34
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs–how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world–how he can please his wife–and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world–how she can please her husband.”
These verses highlight the advantage of celibacy in terms of undivided focus and dedication to the Lord. Celibacy allows individuals to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the service of God, without the additional responsibilities and distractions that come with marriage. It emphasizes that the unmarried have the freedom to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His kingdom above all else.
1 Corinthians 7:7-9
“I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
These verses acknowledge that celibacy is a unique gift given by God to some individuals. It encourages those who have received this gift to embrace the single life and the opportunities it brings for selfless service and undivided devotion to God. However, it also recognizes that not everyone has the ability to remain celibate, and for those individuals, marriage is a more suitable path to avoid succumbing to temptations.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
This verse reminds young people of their call to be an example to others in various aspects of their lives, including purity. Celibacy can be a manifestation of this purity, as it involves abstaining from sexual relationships and maintaining moral integrity. Young believers are encouraged to live in such a way that their actions reflect their commitment to purity, inspiring others and challenging any negative stereotypes or prejudices associated with youth.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
These words of Jesus emphasize the rewards and blessings that come with sacrificing worldly attachments and relationships for His sake. While not specifically mentioning celibacy, this verse highlights the idea that choosing to live a life dedicated to God often involves letting go of personal desires and sacrificing earthly relationships for the sake of eternal reward and inheritance. It encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and promises as they prioritize their commitment to Him above all else.
Luke 20:34-35
“Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.”
These verses point to the understanding that in heaven, marriage and the institution of marriage as we experience it on earth will no longer exist. They suggest that celibacy and singleness can be viewed as a foreshadowing or preparation for the eternal state, where relationships will be different. Thus, choosing a celibate life can align one’s priorities with the eternal kingdom of God rather than temporary earthly relationships.
Isaiah 56:3-5
“Let no foreigner who is bound to the LORD say, ‘The LORD will surely exclude me from his people.’ And let no eunuch complain, ‘I am only a dry tree.’ For this is what the LORD says: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant–to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.’”
In these verses, God assures eunuchs and those who may feel marginalized or excluded that they are seen, valued, and included in His kingdom. It demonstrates that God does not discriminate based on marital status, but rather looks at the heart and the devotion to Him. Eunuchs who remain devoted to God’s commandments and faithfully honor His covenant are promised blessings and an everlasting name that surpasses the transient nature of human relationships.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fleeing from sexual immorality and embracing a life of purity. Celibacy can be seen as a proactive approach to avoiding the sin of sexual immorality by abstaining from any sexual relationships outside of marriage. By choosing celibacy, individuals can honor God with their bodies and seek to maintain holiness in their thoughts, actions, and relationships.
1 Timothy 5:5-6
“The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.”
These verses draw a contrast between widows who place their hope in God and live a life dedicated to prayer, and those who prioritize worldly pleasures. While not directly connected to celibacy, it highlights the importance of living a life devoted to God’s purposes rather than pursuing self-indulgence or worldly desires. Celibacy can provide an opportunity for individuals to invest in their relationship with God and seek His guidance, even in seasons of loneliness or loss.
Mark 12:25
“When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
These words of Jesus affirm the idea that in the resurrection, the constraints and requirements of earthly marriage will no longer apply. This verse suggests that there will be a timeless and eternal aspect to our relationships in heaven. Therefore, living a celibate life on earth can be viewed as a way of anticipating and preparing for the eternal state of being, where relationships will be transformed into a higher and more spiritual form.
1 Corinthians 7:1
“Now for the matters you wrote about: ‘It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.'”
Paul is addressing the Corinthians’ concern about sexual relations, highlighting the positive aspects of celibacy. Although not inherently encouraging everyone to embrace celibacy, this verse acknowledges the potential benefits and advantages it can bring. It recognizes that abstaining from sexual relations can be an honorable and worthy choice in certain circumstances, allowing individuals to focus on spiritual matters and avoid the potential challenges and distractions that come with intimate relationships.
1 Corinthians 7:33-34
“But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world–how he can please his wife–and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.”
These verses highlight the contrast between the concerns and interests of married individuals and those who are unmarried or virgins. It suggests that celibacy allows individuals to have undivided devotion to God, without the responsibilities and distractions that arise from married life. By remaining celibate, individuals can prioritize their relationship with the Lord, dedicating themselves wholly in body and spirit to His service and purposes.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse encourages believers to find their ultimate delight and satisfaction in the Lord. While not directly connected to celibacy, it highlights the importance of seeking fulfillment and contentment in God rather than solely in intimate relationships. By embracing a life of celibacy, individuals can channel their desires towards deepening their relationship with the Lord and experiencing His faithfulness in fulfilling the true desires of their heart.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.’ The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
These verses affirm that our bodies are sacred vessels meant for the Lord, rather than for sexual immorality. Celibacy can be seen as a way of honoring God with our bodies, recognizing that our physical existence is not solely for gratifying our own desires but for serving and glorifying Him. By living a celibate life, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to keeping their bodies pure and consecrated to the Lord’s purposes.
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
This beatitude speaks to the blessedness of those who have pure hearts. Celibacy can contribute to cultivating purity of heart as individuals purposefully abstain from sexual relationships outside of marriage. Choosing celibacy can serve as a means of embracing purity, enabling believers to have a closer and clearer vision of God’s presence and work in their lives.
1 Timothy 4:3-5
“They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
These verses address false teachings that impose restrictions on marriage and certain foods. The passage reminds believers that God’s creation is inherently good and should be embraced with thanksgiving. Although some may discourage marriage, it is important to acknowledge that marriage is a blessed institution created by God. Celibacy is a personal choice that should not be forced or compelled, recognizing that both marriage and celibacy have their rightful place as honorable expressions of one’s faith.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
These verses present a balanced perspective on celibacy and marriage. They affirm the goodness of remaining unmarried but also acknowledge the reality that not all individuals have the ability to exercise celibacy due to intense sexual desires. In such cases, marriage is seen as a viable and honorable solution to avoid succumbing to sexual sin. Paul’s words highlight the importance of knowing oneself and making wise choices in alignment with one’s own abilities and circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7:25-27
“Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife.”
In this passage, Paul offers wise counsel to those considering celibacy and marriage amidst the challenges of their time. He encourages individuals to evaluate their current commitments and responsibilities, considering the needs and demands of the present circumstances. While not providing a specific command from the Lord, Paul advises believers to carefully discern their path, recognizing the potential advantages of remaining unmarried in certain situations.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
“What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on, those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”
These verses highlight the transient nature of life and the temporary nature of worldly attachments and circumstances. Paul advises believers to live with a perspective that recognizes the brevity of time and the impermanence of earthly joys and possessions. In light of this, celibacy can be seen as a choice that aligns one’s life and priorities with the eternal rather than being solely consumed by earthly relationships or possessions.
1 Corinthians 7:36-38
“If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin–this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.”
Paul addresses concerns regarding engagements and the decision to marry or remain unmarried. These verses acknowledge the varied circumstances and personal convictions of individuals. It affirms that both marriage and celibacy are valid choices depending on the individual’s ability to control their passions and make informed decisions. While marriage is not discouraged, Paul suggests that remaining unmarried can be a preferred choice if one is confident and committed to that decision.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
These words emphasize the importance of honoring marriage and maintaining purity within the marital relationship. While not directly related to celibacy, it underscores the significance of sexual integrity and faithfulness in the context of marriage. Recognizing the sanctity of marriage can help individuals evaluate their own choices and priorities, whether it leads them to embrace celibacy or to approach marriage with a steadfast commitment to fidelity and purity.
Jeremiah 31:3
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
This verse serves as a comforting reminder of God’s unfailing and everlasting love for His people. Regardless of one’s relationship status or marital choices, God’s love remains constant and unchanging. It is this love that can sustain individuals in their celibacy journey, providing them with the assurance and strength needed to live a life devoted to God and His purposes.