Is remaining unmarried preferable?

Definition and Overview

Remaining unmarried, according to various biblical texts, refers to a believer’s choice or calling to forego marriage for a season or for life. This topic often arises from passages such as 1 Corinthians 7, where the apostle Paul addresses both married and unmarried believers. While marriage is consistently portrayed as a divine institution and blessing (Genesis 2:18), Scripture also acknowledges unique advantages for those who remain single under certain circumstances and callings.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, marriage was generally expected for the continuation of family lines and the fulfillment of various covenantal promises. Nonetheless, there is no explicit prohibition against remaining unmarried. Because ancient Israelite society placed a strong emphasis on inheritance and lineage (cf. Numbers 27:1–11), singleness was rarer. Even so, prophets like Jeremiah were commanded not to marry under specific divine instruction (Jeremiah 16:1–2). This example suggests that, while marriage was the norm, God could call certain individuals to remain unmarried for His purposes.

Teaching in the Gospels

Jesus addresses the topic of remaining unmarried in Matthew 19. After discussing marriage and divorce, He mentions “eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:12). Although not all are called to this life, Christ’s words affirm that there is a legitimate and honorable place for those setting aside marriage to devote themselves to God’s service.

Jesus Himself remained unmarried throughout His earthly ministry, dedicating His life entirely to preaching, teaching, and sacrificial atonement. His example resonates in the lives of some who find that remaining unmarried allows them a deeper focus on serving God and others.

Pauline Guidance on Singleness

1 Corinthians 7 contains a concentrated discussion of marriage and singleness. Paul indicates that both states are gifts from God but highlights certain advantages of the single life:

• “It is good for them to remain single, as I am.” (1 Corinthians 7:8)

• “I want you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the affairs of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32)

Paul’s argument is that those who remain unmarried can focus more intently on spiritual matters and ministry without the additional responsibilities that come with caring for a spouse and family. However, he also emphasizes that this is not a command for all believers to remain single. If someone struggles with sexual temptation or feels called to marry, Paul encourages marriage as a righteous institution (1 Corinthians 7:2, 9).

Consideration of Calling

Throughout these New Testament passages, personal calling remains a key concept. Some believers perceive a sustained or lifelong calling to serve God in singleness, while others are called to the covenant of marriage. In either case, Scripture teaches that the individual’s primary aim should be devotion to God (1 Corinthians 7:35). This dual affirmation of singleness and marriage guards against any notion that one state is universally superior to the other.

For those who sense God’s calling to remain single, the encouragement is that such a commitment can facilitate an undivided focus on ministry, spiritual disciplines, and service. At the same time, biblical wisdom stresses the importance of evaluating whether singleness is suited to one’s gifts, emotional needs, and ability to maintain purity (1 Corinthians 7:9).

Historical and Cultural Reflections

Across church history, some chose lives of celibacy to devote themselves entirely to ministry and study of Scripture. Although many within the early Christian communities also married—mirroring broader cultural norms—a robust tradition of singleness arose for missionaries, scholars, and others who found their calling aligned with an unmarried life.

Culturally, certain times and places prized large families for practical survival. Yet, the example of figures such as Paul (1 Corinthians 7) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 16) demonstrates that those called to remain single can be pivotal in God’s overarching plan. Early Christian writings outside of Scripture reference believers who served in missions, charitable outreach, and teaching, unencumbered by the obligations of marriage. These patterns reinforce Scripture’s teaching that an unmarried life can yield significant fruit for the kingdom of God when it aligns with a God-given calling.

Practical Discernment

For contemporary application, discernment is crucial. Individuals wrestling with this question might consider:

1. Personal Gifting: Does remaining single free up attention and energy to serve and glorify God more effectively?

2. Inner Peace: Is the person experiencing peace and joy in being unmarried, or is it leading to frustration and temptation?

3. Counsel and Community: Has the individual sought wisdom from mentors, elders, or spiritually mature friends regarding this calling?

4. Divine Confirmation: Through prayer, study of Scripture, and openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading, does the person sense a clear, enduring call to remain unmarried?

Answering “Is Remaining Unmarried Preferable?”

Scripture affirms the goodness and holiness of marriage while also highlighting distinctive advantages of singleness. Remaining unmarried can be preferable for those called to it—particularly those who believe that singleness will enable them to devote themselves fully to the work of the Lord without distraction. This perspective echoes Paul’s teaching that both states of life are meant to honor God (1 Corinthians 7:7).

Ultimately, the question of whether remaining unmarried is preferable hinges on an individual’s divine calling, personal capacity, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. From a biblical lens, neither marriage nor singleness is universally mandated. Rather, each believer is encouraged to use their life—whether single or married—to glorify God and serve in accord with His purposes (Colossians 3:17).

Conclusion

In light of biblical teaching and historical practice, remaining unmarried can indeed be preferable for those specifically called to it. The crucial principle is that every believer—whether single or married—live to honor God, grow in holiness, and serve others faithfully. Both states of life carry blessings and responsibilities, and Scripture upholds each as part of God’s broader redemptive design.