Does the Bible talk about asexuality?

Quick answer

The Bible doesn’t directly mention asexuality but addresses related topics like singleness, gender distinctions, and marital duties. While asexuality itself isn’t sinful, Scripture highlights the blessing of singleness for Kingdom focus and the importance of mutual conjugal rights in marriage.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Asexuality is the condition of having no sexual desire for either gender. Asexuals may become aroused, but at a much lesser rate and degree than those with a defined sexual attraction. Though the Bible doesn’t mention asexuality, it discusses issues that may be relevant to that condition. Asexuality that leads to androgynous clothing or behavior is sinful as God created two genders with specific distinctions. An asexual person may choose not to marry, and the New Testament mentions being single in a positive light at times. The celibate life that would naturally result from asexuality is mentioned in the Bible as a blessing for those who will focus on Kingdom work as the apostle Paul did. However, if an asexual person chooses to marry, he or she is not absolved from conjugal rights unless both spouses are in agreement. Of course, asexuality has no connection to one’s salvation; the only distinction that counts is between those who have faith in Christ and those who do not.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Though asexuality isn’t a sin, it can lead to sin if the asexual person also exhibits extreme androgyny. It is unbiblical to dress and act in a way that leads others to confuse one’s gender. Deuteronomy 22:5 says, “A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Paul explains that living a single life can be a blessing as it provides the opportunity to concentrate on serving the Kingdom of God instead of being concerned with earthly matters.

Jesus touches on a subset of asexuality in Matthew 19:11-12. “But he said to them, ‘Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and 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.’”

A husband and wife owe each other conjugal rights, according to 1 Corinthians 7:3. A spouse’s asexuality does not absolve him or her from that unless both spouses agree to a celibate marriage.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

It’s everywhere—movies, TV shows, on the sides of buses—and even on toothpaste and laundry detergent commercials: sex appeal. Marketers use it because sex drive is such a normal part of being human. But not for everyone. Some people have a low sex drive and may be asexual.

Being asexual could be disconcerting when living in a contemporary culture that seems sex-obsessed. But asexuality lends itself to singlehood, which presents some exciting opportunities for Kingdom work. A single person can accept opportunities to serve God that perhaps a married person could not. For a time-stretched married person, leading the youth group might take time away from his obligations as a husband and father. For a single person, that’s not a problem. A bachelor can do mission work without worrying about leaving a wife and kids behind. God always works everything for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28)—even asexuality.

UNDERSTAND

The Bible doesn’t mention asexuality but addresses singleness, gender roles, and marital duties.

Asexuality isn’t sinful but crossing gender lines through androgyny is.

Singleness is a blessing for Kingdom focus, but married couples must honor conjugal rights.

REFLECT

How do you view singleness or celibacy in your own walk with God, especially in light of its potential to focus on Kingdom work?

How do you honor God’s design for gender distinctions?

How do you balance the physical and spiritual aspects of marriage, particularly regarding mutual care and conjugal responsibilities?

ENGAGE

How does the biblical perspective on singleness and celibacy challenge or encourage our cultural views on relationships and sexuality?

How can the church better support those who identify as asexual or who live celibately for Kingdom purposes?

How do we thoughtfully navigate cultural expressions of gender while honoring the biblical call to maintain distinct roles and identities?