from εὐνοῦχος; to castrate (figuratively, live unmarried):--make…eunuch.
Transliteration:eunouchízō
Pronunciation:yoo-noo-khid'-zo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὐνουχίζω (eunouchízō) is derived from the noun εὐνοῦχος (eunouchos), meaning "eunuch." Its primary, literal sense is "to castrate" or "to make a eunuch," referring to the physical act of emasculation. However, its significant usage in the New Testament extends this meaning into a profound figurative sense: "to live unmarried" or "to make oneself a eunuch" in a spiritual or metaphorical way. This figurative application denotes a deliberate commitment to celibacy and abstention from marriage, undertaken for a higher spiritual purpose. Thus, the semantic range of εὐνουχίζω encompasses both a literal physical act and a metaphorical spiritual dedication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὐνουχίζω appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Matthew 19:12]]. This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on marriage and divorce, following a discussion with His disciples about the implications of His teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. When the disciples remark that it is better not to marry if such is the case of a man with his wife, Jesus responds: "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."
In this pivotal passage, Jesus distinguishes three categories of eunuchs:
1. **Those born eunuchs:** Individuals who are physiologically incapable of marriage or procreation.
2. **Those made eunuchs by others:** Individuals who have been physically castrated by human intervention, often for specific roles in ancient courts or households.
3. **Those who make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven:** This is the crucial metaphorical usage of εὐνουχίζω. Jesus is not advocating self-mutilation but rather a voluntary, conscious decision to abstain from marriage and sexual relations. This choice is made not out of inability or compulsion, but out of a specific devotion to God's kingdom, allowing for undivided attention and service to spiritual matters. The context clearly indicates a volitional commitment to celibacy for spiritual purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐνοῦχος (eunouchos) `{{G2135}}`**: This is the noun from which εὐνουχίζω is derived. It refers to a literal eunuch (e.g., the Ethiopian eunuch in [[Acts 8:27-39]]) and serves as the conceptual basis for Jesus' metaphorical extension in [[Matthew 19:12]].
* **Celibacy**: The spiritual practice of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations. This is the core theological concept conveyed by the figurative use of εὐνουχίζω.
* **Marriage**: The institution that is voluntarily forgone by those who "make themselves eunuchs for the kingdom." Jesus' broader teaching on marriage and divorce in [[Matthew 19:1-12]] provides the immediate backdrop.
* **Kingdom of Heaven**: The ultimate purpose and motivation for such a radical commitment. It highlights that this choice is not arbitrary but deeply rooted in one's dedication to God's redemptive reign.
* **Self-denial/Sacrifice**: The act of "making oneself a eunuch" for the kingdom involves a significant form of self-denial, prioritizing spiritual devotion and service over natural human desires and societal expectations regarding family and procreation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐνουχίζω is almost entirely concentrated in its singular, metaphorical use in [[Matthew 19:12]]. It introduces and validates the concept of *voluntary celibacy* as a legitimate and commendable spiritual calling within the Christian life. Jesus' teaching affirms that some individuals are divinely enabled ("to whom it has been given") and called to forgo marriage, not due to physical incapacity or external force, but as a conscious, Spirit-led choice motivated by an intense devotion to God's kingdom.
This choice allows for undivided attention to spiritual pursuits, service, and evangelism, free from the inherent obligations and potential distractions of marital life. It challenges the societal and even religious expectation of marriage as a universal norm, suggesting that for some, a life of celibacy can be a higher calling that enables a more focused and radical discipleship. This passage has profoundly influenced Christian asceticism and the practice of celibacy among clergy, monastics, and dedicated laypersons throughout history. It underscores the diverse ways in which individuals can serve God and emphasizes the internal disposition and spiritual commitment over external societal pressures.
### Summary
The Greek verb εὐνουχίζω (eunouchízō), meaning "to castrate," holds profound theological weight due to its unique figurative use in [[Matthew 19:12]]. Here, Jesus speaks of those who "make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven," not implying physical mutilation, but a deliberate, voluntary commitment to celibacy. This choice, stemming from an intense devotion to God's kingdom, allows individuals to dedicate themselves wholly to spiritual service without the obligations of marriage. This teaching validates voluntary celibacy as a legitimate and divinely-enabled calling within Christian discipleship, underscoring the radical demands of following Christ and the diverse paths to serving God. It is closely related to the noun εὐνοῦχος `{{G2135}}` and broader concepts of self-denial and dedication to the "kingdom of heaven."
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