Table of Contents
Examples of Bible characters who did not marry
In the pages of the Bible, numerous figures stand out for their actions, beliefs, and legacies. Amidst these compelling narratives, several individuals did not marry, choosing a path that sets them apart in the historical and theological context.
Examples of unmarried women in the Bible
Jephthah’s Daughter
30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” – Judges 11:30-31 ESV. When Jephthah returned from the defeat of the Ammonites to his house in Mizpah, it was his daughter, his only child, who came out first to meet him. As soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and was very grieved for many days. Though he hesitated, he finally had to offer his daughter to the Lord for a burnt offering. She never got married and was a virgin when she died. So it was made a custom in Israel that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year.
Tamar
Tamar was the daughter of David and Princess Maacah. She was a beautiful virgin and sister of Absalom. One day, at her father’s command, she went to her half-brother Amnon’s house to cook some food for him for he was sick – actually, he had feigned sickness. When she took the food to Amnon in his bedroom, he seized her and raped her. And he was done, he threw her out of his house. Though his brother Absalom avenged her two years later by killing Amnon, the rape incident devastated her and left a lasting repercussion on her and she did not marry for the rest of her life.
Dinah
Now Dinah the daughter of Leah and Jacob went out to a Hivite city to see the women of the land. But she was spotted by Prince Shechem the son of Hamor. He abducted her into his house and raped her. Then he decided to marry her. While Dinah was still in his house, he went with his father to talk to Jacob but he gave them no answer. Later, to avenge their sister, the two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, organized an attack on Shechem and his city, destroying every male. And they took their sister away. The Bible went silent on Dinah after this event; but it is likely Dinah, after that defilement, remained unmarried just like Tamar. (Genesis 34)
Examples of unmarried men in the Bible
Elijah
During the idolatrous reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Elijah, a revered prophet who, for the most part, had lived his life in seclusion showed his face only to condemn the land of Israel to a drought that lasted for three and a half years. Elijah did not marry and he is known for his fearless proclamation of the messages entrusted to him. As recorded in the Bible he spent his lifetime in a desperate fight against evil, the evil deeds of the house of Ahab, and in an unwavering attempt to turn the hearts of the people to the Lord. His life exemplifies unwavering faith and steadfast devotion to God’s calling, , independent of marital status. (1 Kings 17)
Jeremiah
Prophet Jeremiah, from the tribe of Levi, was the son of Hilkiah. He started prophesying from the days of Josiah through to the fall of the Kingdom of Judah. God instructed Jeremiah not to marry (Jeremiah 16:2) because disaster was at hand and people, both your and old, would die en masse of deadly diseases (Jeremiah 16:2-4). Jeremiah heeded God’s voice and did not marry. Known for his professional approach, Jeremiah’s prophetic work was characterized by his unwavering commitment to delivering God’s messages to the people with clarity and conviction. His teachings and prophecies continue to inspire and guide believers today.
Daniel
Prophet Daniel was from a noble lineage and belonged to the tribe of Judah. Daniel’s life took a dramatic turn when he was exiled to Babylon. This forced displacement from his homeland presented numerous challenges, but Daniel remained resolute in his faith. In Babylon, it is believed he and his colleagues were castrated and brought into King Nebucchadnezzer’s service; hence he remained unmarried for life. Daniel’s unwavering faith and remarkable character caught the attention of the ruling elite. His integrity and wisdom were unparalleled, and he quickly rose to prominence in the kingdom. Kings sought his counsel and trusted his judgment, recognizing his commitment to truth and justice.
John the Baptist
John the Baptist was the son of Zachariah the priest and Elizabeth. According to the Gospel of Luke 1, he possessed the spirit of Elijah and was filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born. Just like Elijah, he did not marry. John the Baptist’s unmarried status is intertwined with his pivotal role as the herald of Christ. His singular focus on preparing the way for the Messiah highlights the depth of his spiritual mission. (Luke 1:5-25)
Jesus Christ
“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” says Jesus (John 9:4). Jesus Christ, the son of Joseph and Mary, prioritized his ministry, the work of God, above everything. Knowing that his life was short, he remained unmarried throughout his life. His commitment to fulfilling his divine purpose was unparalleled, as he selflessly devoted himself to teaching, healing, and spreading the message of God’s love. He died at the age of 33 years on the cross. His exemplary life serves as an inspiration to all, showcasing the power of faith and selflessness in serving a higher calling.
Ethiopian eunuch
A eunuch is a castrated man and he remains unmarried for life. The Ethiopian eunuch was not different from other eunuchs. But he was an important officer, the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian eunuch was a devout Jew who traveled from Ethiopia, Africa, to Jerusalem, Israel, to perform his religious rites. His commitment to the reading of the Holy Scriptures led to an encounter with Philip, resulting in his conversion to Christianity. (Acts 8:26-40)
Paul
Paul, his first appearance in the Bible was in Acts 8 during the stoning of Stephen and he was a grown-up by then. His religious zeal made him channel all his attention to persecuting Christians. Along the line, by divine intervention, he converted to Christianity. As a Christian, God called him into missions, and his zeal to win souls made him travel around, spreading the Christian faith and converting many unbelievers, both Jews and Gentiles. His decision to remain single, as outlined in the New Testament, is an example of prioritizing God’s work. In some of his epistles, he promoted celibacy geared toward spiritual service and unwavering commitment to spreading the Word of God. (1 Corinthians 7:32-34)
Other mentions
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Though indeed Daniel did not marry, it was not categorically stated that he was an eunuch. However, if he was an eunuch, then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were eunuchs too and, hence, did not marry. (Daniel 1:1-7)
Anna
Prophetess Anna was married for seven years, but when her husband died, she remained unmarried for the rest of her life, dedicating her life to the service of God. When baby Jesus was brought to the temple of Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph, she was there and she prophesied about Him. At that time she was 84 years old. (Luke 2:36-38)
Miriam
Miriam, a key figure in the Old Testament, is celebrated for her courage and leadership. Despite her prominent role in the Israelite community, the Bible does not mention her marriage, focusing instead on her instrumental contributions to the nation’s journey. (Exodus 15:20-27)
Conclusion
There is very little said about the fact that many of the prophets of old were not married. Several of the twelve apostles were also not married and they served the Lord faithfully in spreading the Gospel.