For example, at Psalm 127:3 we read: “Sons are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” (New American Bible) The only arrangement known to the Israelites whereby a man or a woman might remain a virgin was by continuing in the single state.​—Compare Jeremiah 16:1-4.

Years later both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul recommended voluntary singleness as the better course for those seeking to devote themselves more fully to spiritual interests. (Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:28-38) However, nowhere does the Bible encourage celibate marriages or attribute a special sanctity to them. The contrary is the case. The inspired apostle Paul said to married people: “The husband should fulfill his conjugal obligations toward his wife, the wife hers toward her husband.”​—1 Cor. 7:3, New American Bible.

Not sex relations between marriage partners, but celibate marriages are contrary to the spirit of God’s Word. So the teaching that Mary remained ever virgin misrepresents God’s purpose respecting marriage, making it appear that unnatural celibate marriages are “holy.”