Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the state of being unmarried is addressed in various contexts, reflecting both cultural norms of the time and spiritual teachings. The Scriptures provide guidance and examples concerning the unmarried life, highlighting both its challenges and its potential for dedicated service to God.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, marriage was often seen as a societal norm and a means of fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (
Genesis 1:28). However, there are notable figures who remained unmarried or whose marital status is not emphasized. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah was commanded by God not to marry or have children in the land due to impending judgment (
Jeremiah 16:1-2). This indicates that being unmarried could be a divinely appointed state for specific purposes.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament provides more explicit teachings on the unmarried life, particularly through the Apostle Paul. In
1 Corinthians 7, Paul discusses the advantages of remaining unmarried, especially in times of distress or for those who wish to serve the Lord without distraction. He states, "I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that" (
1 Corinthians 7:7). Paul acknowledges that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, each with its own benefits and challenges.
Paul further elaborates, "The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the things of this world, how he may please his wife" (
1 Corinthians 7:32-33). Here, Paul highlights the potential for undivided devotion to God that the unmarried state can offer.
Jesus and the Unmarried LifeJesus Himself lived a celibate life, setting an example of complete dedication to the Father's will. In
Matthew 19, Jesus speaks about those who choose to live as eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, indicating that some may choose to remain unmarried to fully commit themselves to God's work (
Matthew 19:12).
The Role of Widows and VirginsThe early church also recognized the role of widows and virgins in the community. In
1 Timothy 5, Paul provides instructions for the care of widows, emphasizing their important role in prayer and service (
1 Timothy 5:5). The church valued the contributions of unmarried women who dedicated themselves to God.
Spiritual ImplicationsBeing unmarried is not portrayed as a lesser state but rather as a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and service. The Bible encourages those who are unmarried to use their status to focus on their relationship with God and to serve the church and community. The unmarried life is seen as a calling for some, allowing them to pursue holiness and ministry with fewer worldly distractions.
In summary, the Bible presents being unmarried as a valid and honorable state, with its own set of spiritual opportunities and responsibilities. Whether by choice or circumstance, the unmarried are encouraged to live lives that honor God and contribute to His kingdom.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 7:1-40Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Topicalbible.org1 Corinthians 7:11
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
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1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God has called us to peace.
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2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
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Matthew 19:9
And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away does commit adultery.
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1 Corinthians 7:2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
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Greek
2135. eunouchos -- a eunuch... From eune (a bed) and echo; a castrated person (such
being employed in Oriental
bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or
unmarried man; by implication, a
...Library
2 Timothy i. 1, 2
... marriage. Theunmarried declares there is nothing so wretched asbeing
unmarried, and wanting the repose of a home. The merchant...
Whence, Also, what the Apostle Paul Said of theUnmarried Woman...
... said of theunmarried woman, "that she may be holy both in body and spirit;" [2237]
we are not so to understand, as though a faithful womanbeing married and...
Indeed in all Spiritual Delights, whichUnmarried Women Enjoy...
... 27. Indeed in all spiritual delights, whichunmarried women enjoy, their holy
conversation... upon occasion of their neglect in some matterbeing blamed, through...
Whether Husband and Wife May be Reconciled afterBeing Divorced?
... 1: It would seem that husband and wife may not be reconciled afterbeing divorced...
is written (1:Cor.7:11): "And if she depart, that she remainunmarried, or be...
Faustus Seeks to Justify the Docetism of the Manich??ans. Augustin...
... the minds of His people who are still babes in Christ frombeing influenced by...
themselves; for they are preserved in purity not only by theunmarried, but also...
Whether it is against the Natural Law to have a Concubine?
... 15:29) in conjunction with ceremonies of the law which for the time werebeing imposed
on... Now oneunmarried woman may give the power of her body for ever to an...
Therefore Thus Saith the Apostle, the Teacher of the Gentiles...
... to please her husband." [2224] Certainly by theunmarried he would have understood,
not only her who hath never married, but her also, who,being by widowhood...
But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who...
... her husband; [1950] whereas surely she ought not to depart and remainunmarried,
save from... she may justly be reconciled to her husband, either hebeing to be...
And not Without Just Cause a Doubt is Raised...
... distinction and, as it were, character of their own, of theunmarried and married...
And,being, as they are, rare, nearly all the persons who are such, were not...
Article xxvii (xiii): of Monastic Vows.
... it ascribes perfection to human traditions if they are living more nearly in accordance
with the Gospel by not having property,being unmarried, and obeying...
Resources
In what ways is being a Christian difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a good student? | GotQuestions.orgIs being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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