What Does the Bible Say About Being Single?
Biblical encouragement for single Christians and what Scripture says about the gift of singleness.
What does the Bible say about being single? Explore KJV scriptures about singleness, contentment, and serving God as an unmarried person.
"But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." — 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 (KJV)
In a culture that often idolizes marriage and romance, the Bible offers a refreshing and affirming perspective on singleness. Both Jesus and Paul were single, and Paul specifically praised singleness as a gift that allows undivided devotion to God. Scripture teaches that wholeness and purpose are found in Christ, not in marital status.
Key Scriptures About Being Single
1 Corinthians 7:32-34
"But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband."Read in context
1 Corinthians 7:7
"For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."Read in context
Psalm 37:4
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."Read in context
Isaiah 54:5
"For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called."Read in context
Philippians 4:11
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."Read in context
A Prayer About Being Single
Lord, help me to find my completeness and purpose in You alone. Whether single or married, let me serve You with my whole heart. Fill any loneliness with Your presence and use this season of my life for Your glory. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being Single
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on being single.
Is it okay to be single as a Christian?
Absolutely. Paul praised singleness as a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7) that allows undivided devotion to God. Jesus Himself was single. The Bible never teaches that marriage is required for a fulfilled life. Your identity and purpose come from Christ, not from your relationship status.
Does the Bible say everyone should get married?
No. While Genesis 2:18 says 'it is not good that the man should be alone,' Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 7 that singleness is a valid and even preferable calling for some. Both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, each with unique opportunities for serving Him.
What is the main Bible verse about being single?
1 Corinthians 7:32-34 is one of the clearest scriptures on being single: "But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about being single?
Scripture addresses being single in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 5 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from 1 Corinthians, Psalms, Isaiah, Philippians.
Where does the Bible first mention being single?
The earliest passage on this list is 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, in the book of 1 Corinthians. Scripture's full teaching on being single unfolds across both testaments — see all 5 verses above for the broader picture.
Is being single a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about being single? Explore KJV scriptures about singleness, contentment, and serving God as an unmarried person. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Being Single
Specific questions Christians ask about being single — each answered with KJV scripture.
How to Be Content While Single?
Single believers find contentment by embracing singleness as a gift, serving the Lord with undivided devotion, building rich community, pursuing holiness, and trusting God's timing.
Read answerWhy Should Christians Fast?
Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Being Single?
The Bible honors singleness as a legitimate, even advantageous calling — Paul himself was single and commended it as an opportunity for undivided devotion to God.
Read answerWhat Does Sabbath Rest Look Like for Christians?
While Christians are not under the Sabbath law, the principle of regular rest — ceasing from work to trust God, worship, and be refreshed — remains a gift and a wise practice for spiritual health.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Predestination?
Predestination is the biblical teaching that God chose believers before the foundation of the world, though Christians differ on exactly how this interacts with human free will.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Submission?
Biblical submission is an attitude of voluntary respect and cooperation toward God-ordained authority, modeled by Christ and required of all believers in various relationships.
Read answerIs Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Read answerWho Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Read answerRelated Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
What the Bible teaches about divorce, remarriage, and God's heart for marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
What Does the Bible Say About Dating & Relationships?
Biblical principles for dating, courtship, and building godly romantic relationships.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
Biblical wisdom for parenting, discipline, and raising children in the faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
Biblical teaching on sex, sexual purity, and God's design for intimacy within marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
What the Bible teaches about true friendship, loyalty, and choosing friends wisely.
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More Bible Questions in Relationships
Continue exploring what Scripture teaches on related topics.
- What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
- What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Dating & Relationships?
- What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
- What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
- What Does the Bible Say About Loneliness?
- What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
- What Does the Bible Say About Adultery & Infidelity?
- What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Enemies?
- What Does the Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Masturbation?
- What Does the Bible Say About Toxic Relationships?
- What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Submission in Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Social Media?
- What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?