Singleness is seen in the Bible as a valuable stage of life, allowing people to serve God without distractions. Paul even speaks of it as a blessing. Exploring what the Bible says about singleness can offer insights into its purpose and the freedom it can bring.
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What Does The Bible Say About Singleness
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.
This verse recognizes that singleness is a gift from God. It highlights that not everyone is called to be married, and that both singleness and marriage are valuable in God’s eyes.
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.
These verses emphasize the advantages of singleness in terms of undivided devotion to the Lord. They highlight that a single person can prioritize pleasing God without distractions or divided commitments.
Psalms 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This verse encourages singles to find joy and satisfaction in their relationship with God. It assures them that as they delight in the Lord, He will fulfill the desires of their hearts according to His perfect will.
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.
Jesus acknowledges that there are individuals who choose a life of singleness for the sake of devoting themselves wholly to God’s kingdom. This verse affirms and encourages those who willingly embrace a single life in service to God.
Psalms 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
This verse reminds singles to find comfort and peace in God’s presence. It encourages them to trust in His sovereignty and rest in His love, knowing that He is in control of their lives.
Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
In this verse, God is depicted as the ultimate spouse. It reassures singles that even though they may not have an earthly husband or wife, they have a divine spouse in God. He is their provider, protector, and lover of their souls.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
These verses encourage singles to trust in God’s wisdom and guidance. They remind singles that as they surrender their lives to Him and rely on His understanding, He will direct their paths and lead them in the right direction.
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.
While this verse does not focus specifically on singleness, it highlights the importance of using one’s season of life, including singleness, as an opportunity to set a godly example. It reminds singles that their conduct, love, faith, and purity can inspire others and bring glory to God.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
These comforting words from Jesus remind singles that they can find true peace and security in Him. In a world that often prioritizes relationships and romance, this verse assures singles that they can experience peace that surpasses worldly understanding.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This verse reminds singles that God works all things together for their good. It assures them that even in their season of singleness, God has a purpose and a plan that will ultimately bring blessings and fulfillment.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
These words remind singles to surrender their worries and anxieties to God, knowing that He cares deeply for them. They encourage singles to find comfort in God’s love and to trust Him with their concerns.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
This verse encourages singles to patiently wait on the Lord. It reminds them to be strong and take heart, knowing that God’s timing is perfect and that He will fulfill His promises in their lives.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
These words from Jesus remind singles to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. They assure singles that as they seek God first, He will provide for their needs and fulfill the desires of their hearts.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
These comforting words from God assure singles that He has plans to prosper and bless them. They offer hope and a future, reminding singles that their singleness is not a hindrance but a part of God’s greater purpose for their lives.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
This verse celebrates the uniqueness and beauty of every individual. It reminds singles that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and that their singleness does not diminish their worth or value in His eyes.
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
This verse encourages singles to trust in God’s sovereignty and guidance. It reminds them that even though they may make plans for their lives, it is ultimately God who directs their steps and leads them in the right path.
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
These verses express the psalmist’s declaration of total reliance on God. They remind singles that in their singleness, their ultimate fulfillment and desire should be found in God alone.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
These words remind singles to live their lives for the glory of God in all they do. They encourage singles to pursue their passions and interests in a way that honors and magnifies God.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
These verses remind singles to resist conforming to societal pressures and expectations. They encourage singles to renew their minds in God’s truth and seek His will, knowing that His plans are good, pleasing, and perfect.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
These verses remind singles to find contentment in God’s faithfulness and provision. They encourage singles to prioritize a life free from the love of money and trust in God’s constant presence and care.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
This verse acknowledges the existence of different seasons and times in life. It reminds singles that their season of singleness is a part of God’s ordained plan and that He has a purpose for it.
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
These verses encourage singles to patiently wait on the Lord and not be consumed by jealousy or comparison with others. They remind singles to place their trust in God and His perfect timing.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
These verses offer solace to singles who may experience anxiety or worry about their singleness. They encourage singles to bring their concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving, assuring them that His peace will guard their hearts and minds.
Psalm 34:10
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
This verse assures singles that as they seek the Lord, they will lack no good thing. It reminds them that God will provide for their needs and fulfill the desires of their hearts according to His perfect plan.