The Stage of Singleness: A Season of Preparation and Purpose

Bruno Borges, Ph.D.(c)

Singleness: More Than Just Waiting

In the biblical account of creation, Genesis 2:15-17 highlights a foundational stage in human development—the stage of singleness. This is the default state for every person—we all begin life single, and according to Jesus, in eternity, we will return to a state of singleness: "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:30-32).

Before Eve’s creation, ha-adam (the human) was placed in the Garden of Eden, entering a vital season of relationship with God, vocational preparation, and moral development. While scholars recognize that ha-adam in this passage was embodied in a male form, the human represents humanity as a whole, making the biblical principles of singleness relevant to both men and women. This passage establishes a divine pattern: before stepping into marriage and family life, an individual is first called to develop their spiritual, vocational, and moral foundations. Only after this preparatory phase does God declare, "It is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18), setting in motion the creation of woman, the institution of marriage, the blessing of family life, sexual intimacy, and human procreation.

This structure affirms that singleness is not merely an absence of marriage but a significant season of purpose and growth.

Relationship with God: The First Step in Human Identity

The first recorded action after Adam's creation is his placement in the garden (Genesis 2:15). The Hebrew verb yanach ("placed") suggests more than a mere physical location—it conveys a divine appointment for a relationship with God. Before Adam receives a human partner, he is first given a place with God, signifying that his primary identity is rooted in divine communion rather than human relationships.

This pattern appears throughout Scripture. Many individuals called by God first experience a period of solitude with Him:

• Moses met God alone in the wilderness (Exodus 3:1-12).

• Elijah encountered God in a quiet cave (1 Kings 19:9-13).

• Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11).

Adam's singleness in the garden illustrates the necessity of developing a deep relationship with God before entering marriage.

The Role of Work: Discovering Purpose Before Marriage

Adam's second responsibility in singleness is to "work" (ebad) the garden (Genesis 2:15). The Hebrew term ebad conveys more than just physical labor—it signifies worship and sacred duty. This same word appears in Exodus 3:12 when God tells Moses, "You will worship (ebad) God on this mountain." Adam's work in the garden was not just about productivity; it was about fulfilling his divine assignment.

Significantly, Adam's vocation was given before marriage, underscoring a biblical principle: a man should be firmly rooted in his purpose before seeking a spouse. This idea is reinforced in the New Testament:

"The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided."—1 Corinthians 7:32-34

When God declares in Genesis 2:18 that He will make a helper (ezer kenegdo) for Adam, it is only after Adam has received his mission. This underscores a fundamental principle: a man’s purpose should precede his marriage, as the woman was created to be a helper in fulfilling his God-given calling. This also sheds light on the often misunderstood concept of submission in marriage. Ephesians 5:22 instructs wives to submit to their husbands, yet many women struggle with this because they are unsure what they are being called to submit to. The root of the issue is that men, throughout history, have frequently neglected their primary responsibility—to first discover and establish their mission before expecting anyone to follow their leadership. Without a clear mission, leadership lacks direction, making submission meaningless. There is no submission without a mission!

The Transition: A Call to Marriage or a Call to Singleness?

Genesis 2:18 marks a turning point: "It is not good for man to be alone." This moment introduces the divine institution of marriage, a new family, sex, and procreation. But the sequence of events preceding it suggests that these components are not an automatic expectation—it is a calling that follows preparation!

While many will enter into marriage, Scripture also affirms that some are called to lifelong singleness for the sake of God’s kingdom:

• "There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it." (Matthew 19:12)

• "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another." (1 Corinthians 7:7)

Paul describes singleness as a legitimate and even preferable vocation for those dedicated to undivided service to God. The biblical perspective frames marriage not as a universal requirement but as a divine calling, with singleness being equally purposeful for those committed to kingdom work.

Conclusion: Reclaiming the Biblical Vision of Singleness

Genesis 2:15-17 presents a clear biblical framework for human relationships, showing that singleness is not simply a waiting period for marriage, a new family, sex, and procreation, but a season of preparation, purpose, and spiritual development. Before Adam received Eve as his partner, he was first given a mission—cultivating a relationship with God, engaging in meaningful work, and embracing his responsibility as a steward.

This pattern reveals that marriage, establishing a new family, engaging in sexual intimacy, and procreation should follow:

• Spiritual maturity

• The discovery of purpose

• A commitment to obedience to God

Ultimately, while many are called to marriage, others may be called to lifelong singleness for the sake of God’s kingdom. Both callings are valid and purposeful when rooted in service to the Lord. The church must recover and teach this biblical vision of singleness and marriage so that individuals can walk confidently in their God-given roles—whether as spouses or as single servants of the kingdom.