Definition and Context:
Singleness, in the biblical context, refers to the state of being unmarried. It is a condition that can be either temporary or lifelong, chosen or circumstantial. The Bible addresses singleness in various passages, offering guidance and insight into its spiritual significance and practical implications.

Biblical Examples of Singleness:
Several prominent biblical figures were single, either for part or all of their lives. The Apostle Paul is perhaps the most notable example, as he remained unmarried throughout his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, Paul 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. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am."

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, also lived a single life. His singleness was integral to His mission and ministry, allowing Him to devote Himself fully to the work of God without the additional responsibilities that come with marriage.

Theological Significance:
Singleness is presented in the Bible as a gift and a calling. In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Paul elaborates on the advantages of singleness, emphasizing the undivided devotion to the Lord that it can facilitate: "I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the affairs of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided."

Singleness is not portrayed as a lesser state compared to marriage. Instead, it is seen as a unique opportunity for service and dedication to God. The Bible encourages single individuals to embrace their status as a means to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Practical Implications:
The Bible provides practical advice for singles, encouraging them to pursue holiness and contentment. In 1 Timothy 5:5-6, Paul advises widows to set their hope on God and continue in prayer and supplication. This principle can be extended to all singles, highlighting the importance of a strong spiritual life.

Moreover, the church is called to support and include singles within the community. In Romans 12:4-5, Paul writes about the body of Christ, emphasizing that all members, regardless of marital status, have unique roles and contributions: "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another."

Challenges and Encouragement:
Singleness can come with challenges, such as loneliness and societal pressure to marry. However, the Bible offers encouragement and reassurance. In Isaiah 54:5, God promises to be the husband to the widow, symbolizing His commitment to care for those who are single: "For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name."

Singles are encouraged to find their identity and fulfillment in Christ, trusting in His plan and timing. Philippians 4:11-13 speaks to the secret of contentment in all circumstances, a principle that applies to singles as they navigate their unique journey: "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not mandate singleness or marriage, it provides a framework for understanding and valuing both states. Singleness is a legitimate and honorable calling, offering unique opportunities for spiritual growth and service. Through faith and community, singles can lead fulfilling lives that glorify God.1. (n.) The quality or state of being single, or separate from all others; the opposite of doubleness, complication, or multiplicity.

2. (n.) Freedom from duplicity, or secondary and selfish ends; purity of mind or purpose; simplicity; sincerity; as, singleness of purpose; singleness of heart.

572. haplotes -- singleness, hence simplicity
... singleness, hence simplicity. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: haplotes
Phonetic Spelling: (hap-lot'-ace) Short Definition: simplicity, sincerity ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/572.htm - 7k

858. aphelotes -- simplicity
... Word Origin from apheles (without a stone, even, smooth) Definition simplicity
NASB Word Usage sincerity (1). singleness, simplicity. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/858.htm - 7k

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... 5-8. Ephesians vi.5-8 "Servants, be obedient unto them that, according to the flesh,
are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

Showing How we Should Go Out to Meet God
... Singleness of intention is the single eye of which Christ speaks, giving light to
the whole body"that is, to the man's works and his whole life"and ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxii showing how we.htm

Colossians iii. 18-25
... Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh;
not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

The Son in Union with the Father in the Creation of all Things ...
... It is Opposed Only to Praxeas' Identification Theory. But this very declaration
of His they will hastily pervert into an argument of His singleness. ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xix the son in union.htm

The Thirty-Third Chapter: Restlessness of Soul --Directing Our ...
... For thus he can stand undivided, unchanged, and unshaken, with the singleness of
his intention directed unwaveringly toward Me, even in the midst of so many ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the thirty-third chapter restlessness of.htm

Why it was Sometimes Permitted that a Man Should have Several ...
... Was Ever Allowed to Have More Than One Husband. Nature Prefers Singleness
in Her Dominations. Now, if to the God of our fathers, who ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 10 ix why it was.htm

Acts ii. 37
... "And breaking bread from house to house, did take their portion of food with gladness
and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii acts ii 37.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... And he rests in God, above likeness; for through faithfulness and singleness of
intention, he fulfils the will of God, more or less according to the measure of ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... I proved in my life, and I wandered not from the truth of the Lord, and I searched
out the commandments of the Most High, walking with singleness of face ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/x the testament of asher concerning.htm

To the Objection of the Arians, that Two Gods are Introduced by a ...
... but one. By singleness I mean that which the Greeks call monotes. Singleness
has to do with a person; unity with a nature. That ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii to the objection.htm

Singleness (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Freedom from duplicity, or secondary and selfish ends; purity of mind or
purpose; simplicity; sincerity; as, singleness of purpose; singleness of heart ...
/s/singleness.htm - 7k

Simplicity (12 Occurrences)
... 9:13 margin), tom, "completeness," "integrity" (2 Samuel 15:11), "They went in their
simplicity." In the New Testament, haplotes, "singleness of mind ...
/s/simplicity.htm - 13k

Sincerity (17 Occurrences)
... 2:46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart ...
/s/sincerity.htm - 14k

Masters (59 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your
masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ ...
/m/masters.htm - 26k

Nathanael (6 Occurrences)
... guile!" (John 1:47). It was a tribute to that singleness of heart which enabled
him to overcome his initial prejudice. The same candor ...
/n/nathanael.htm - 13k

Obedient (39 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your
masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ ...
/o/obedient.htm - 18k

Oneness (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state of being one; singleness in number;
individuality; unity. Multi-Version Concordance Oneness (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/oneness.htm - 7k

Joshua (211 Occurrences)
... It is Marked by singleness of purpose, directness, and decision...He sets an object
before him, and unswervingly follows it" (Bible Hist., iii. 103). ...
/j/joshua.htm - 101k

Gladness (83 Occurrences)
... 2:46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart ...
/g/gladness.htm - 32k

Generous (17 Occurrences)
... 2:46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart ...
/g/generous.htm - 11k

Why should I get married? | GotQuestions.org

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Singleness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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