Marriage is often seen as a natural part of life, but what does the Bible say about those who choose not to marry? Is remaining single considered a good path, and are there any biblical teachings on this lifestyle choice? Let’s explore what scripture says about singleness and its place in a faithful life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Waking Up At 3Am
What Does The Bible Say About Not Getting Married
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 acknowledges that there are individuals who choose to forgo marriage for the sake of dedicating their lives fully to serving God and advancing His kingdom. It highlights the option of celibacy as a valid and honorable lifestyle choice.
It is important to note that this verse does not negate the value of marriage, but rather emphasizes that some may find it more beneficial to remain single and fully committed to their relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 7:7
“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.”
Here, the Apostle Paul expresses his personal preference for singleness and acknowledges that each person has their own unique gift from God, which may include the gift of celibacy. He recognizes that not everyone possesses the same desire or ability to remain unmarried.
This verse encourages individuals to embrace and honor the different gifts and callings God has bestowed upon them, including the choice to remain single or to pursue marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:8
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.”
Paul reiterates his personal conviction that remaining unmarried can be advantageous, particularly for those who are not married or have become widows. He encourages them to consider the benefits of singleness, which allows for undistracted devotion to the Lord.
This verse does not negate the possibility of remarriage but points out the potential spiritual advantages that can accompany a life of singleness.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
“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. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
In these verses, Paul emphasizes the advantages of remaining unmarried, as it allows individuals to focus wholeheartedly on their relationship with God. He highlights how marriage can introduce additional concerns and responsibilities, which may divide one’s attention and devotion.
Paul advises believers to consider the benefits of undivided devotion to the Lord and to carefully evaluate their personal circumstances when making decisions about marriage.
Matthew 19:10-12
“The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’ Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 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 passage captures a conversation between Jesus and His disciples regarding marriage. The disciples express the idea that given the potential challenges of marriage, it might be better not to marry at all. Jesus acknowledges that not everyone can accept this teaching, but encourages those who can to consider a life of celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus emphasizes that this decision is a personal one, and those who feel called to remain unmarried should willingly embrace this path, recognizing the unique purpose it can serve in their lives.
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.”
In these verses, Paul contrasts the concerns of married individuals with those who are single. He acknowledges that those who are married have responsibilities and obligations towards their spouse, which can distract them from complete devotion to the Lord. In contrast, an unmarried person can solely focus on the things of the Lord.
This passage emphasizes the value of undivided devotion to God and the freedom that can come from choosing a life of singleness.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
This verse highlights the eternal rewards and blessings that await those who make sacrifices and choose to give up certain earthly attachments for the sake of following Jesus. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, remaining unmarried to dedicate one’s life to God can lead to a different kind of family and support network within the body of Christ.
While marriage and family are beautiful and important aspects of life, this verse encourages individuals to consider the value of sacrificing those relationships if it means gaining a closer and eternal relationship with God.
1 Timothy 4:3
“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.”
This verse warns against teachings or doctrines that prohibit or discourage marriage, indicating that such beliefs contradict the truth and purpose of God’s creation. It affirms that marriage is a gift from God and should not be forbidden or discouraged by any human-imposed rules or regulations.
While some individuals may choose celibacy or singleness for personal or spiritual reasons, it is important to recognize that marriage is a sacred institution established by God and should not be unlawfully restricted.
1 Corinthians 7:25-26
“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.”
In the context of addressing the Corinthians’ questions about marriage and singleness, Paul expresses his opinion as a trustworthy servant of the Lord. He advises the unmarried to remain as they are due to the current difficult circumstances they are facing.
This verse underscores the importance of considering the practical and situational factors when making decisions about marriage, highlighting Paul’s recognition of the challenges and uncertainties of their time.
1 Corinthians 7:28
“But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.”
Paul acknowledges that marriage itself is not a sin, and if someone chooses to marry, it is not to be seen as wrongdoing. However, he does caution that those who enter into marriage will inevitably encounter challenges and difficulties in this earthly life.
Paul’s intent here is to provide counsel and spare believers from some of the hardships that can arise from the marital relationship.
Genesis 2:18
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'”
This verse highlights God’s recognition of Adam’s need for companionship and the subsequent creation of Eve as his suitable helper and partner. It establishes the foundational purpose of marriage as a means of fulfilling the human need for companionship and support.
While this verse promotes the value of marriage, it does not diminish the significance and validity of a life lived in singleness and devotion to God.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality in this verse, emphasizing that within the context of marriage, sexual relations are not only permissible but encouraged. This verse affirms the importance of marriage as the appropriate and exclusive place for sexual intimacy.
While this verse primarily focuses on the importance of marital faithfulness, it also recognizes the role of marriage in fulfilling sexual desires and needs in a godly manner.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This proverb extols the value and blessings that come from finding a wife. It acknowledges wives as a gift from God and highlights the favor and goodness that is associated with the institution of marriage.
While this verse celebrates the blessings of marriage, it is essential to remember that not everyone is called to pursue this path, and singleness can also bring favor and blessings in other ways.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Peter emphasizes the importance of deep love and compassion among believers. While this verse does not specifically address marriage, it serves as a reminder of the central role that love plays within relationships.
In the context of marriage, the call to love deeply becomes even more relevant as it requires spouses to extend grace, forgiveness, and understanding towards one another, fostering unity and mutual support.
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.”
In these verses, Paul addresses the situation of an engaged couple. He affirms that if the couple feels strongly about getting married and are concerned about acting honorably, they should proceed with marriage without sinning.
However, Paul also recognizes the validity of choosing not to marry. He suggests that remaining single can be a better course of action for some, allowing them to devote themselves entirely to the Lord’s work.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse extols the virtues and worth of a wife of noble character. It highlights the value and preciousness of a godly wife, emphasizing the positive impact she can have on her family, community, and society as a whole.
While this verse affirms the value of marriage and the importance of finding a virtuous spouse, it does not diminish the worth or significance of individuals who choose to remain unmarried.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This proverb extols the value and blessings that come from finding a wife. It acknowledges wives as a gift from God and highlights the favor and goodness that is associated with the institution of marriage.
While this verse celebrates the blessings of marriage, it is essential to remember that not everyone is called to pursue this path, and singleness can also bring favor and blessings in other ways.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage and upholding its sanctity. It calls believers to maintain purity within the marriage relationship and warns against the sin of adultery and sexual immorality.
While this verse emphasizes the value of marriage, it does not diminish the worth or righteousness of those who choose to remain unmarried.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse captures Jesus’ teaching on the permanence and sacredness of the marital union. It affirms that once a couple is joined in marriage by God, it is not to be separated by anyone.
While this verse highlights the significance of marriage, it does not invalidate the possibility of leading a fulfilling and purposeful life as a single individual.
1 Corinthians 7:9
“But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Paul acknowledges the reality of human passions and desires, affirming that if individuals struggle to maintain self-control and sexual purity, it is better for them to marry than to give in to sinful temptations.
This verse recognizes the need for companionship and intimacy and advises those who cannot contain their passions to pursue marriage as a means of fulfillment and sexual expression within the confines of a godly relationship.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse highlights the biblical mandate for husbands to sacrificially love their wives, modeling their actions after the selfless love demonstrated by Christ for the church.
While this verse specifically addresses husbands, it underscores the high standard and calling of marriage, calling both spouses to love and value one another as Christ loves and values the church.
Genesis 1:27-28
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'”
This passage reflects the creation account in Genesis, emphasizing the divine order and purpose for human relationships and procreation. It affirms God’s blessing and command for humanity to multiply and govern the earth.
While this verse speaks to the significance of marriage in fulfilling the command to be fruitful and multiply, it does not diminish the value of individuals who remain unmarried or childless for various reasons.
Proverbs 31:10-11
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
This passage describes the virtues of a wife of noble character who is a source of great worth and value to her husband. It emphasizes the importance of trust, confidence, and the blessings that come from having a virtuous and capable spouse.
While this verse celebrates the virtues of a godly wife, it does not diminish the worth or significance of those who choose to remain unmarried.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'”
This verse praises the contributions and character of a woman who demonstrates wisdom, strength, and integrity. It highlights the admiration and honor accorded to her by her husband and children, acknowledging her exceptional qualities.
While this verse focuses on the commendation of a married woman and mother, it does not diminish the value or significance of individuals who remain unmarried.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This passage underscores the benefits and strength that come from companionship and partnership. It highlights the support, assistance, and protection that can be provided by having a companion in life.
While this verse speaks to the value of companionship within the context of a marital relationship, it does not negate the possibility of leading a fulfilling and purposeful life as a single individual.