from (a bed) and ἔχω; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):--eunuch.
Transliteration:eunoûchos
Pronunciation:yoo-noo'-khos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὐνοῦχος (eunoûchos, `{{G2135}}`) is derived from εὐνή (eunē, "a bed") and ἔχω (echō, "to have" or "to hold"), literally signifying "one who keeps the bed" or "guardian of the bed-chamber." This etymology points to its primary meaning: a castrated male, typically employed in royal or wealthy households, particularly in the ancient Near East, to guard harems or serve in intimate capacities, thereby ensuring purity of lineage.
From this literal sense, the word developed significant extended meanings:
* **Figurative Impotence:** By extension, it could refer to any man who is impotent, whether due to a congenital condition, an injury, or by choice (e.g., celibacy).
* **Official Position:** By implication, due to the trusted and often high-ranking nature of their roles in royal courts (where eunuchs were often employed as chamberlains or ministers), εὐνοῦχος became a title for a high-ranking court official or minister, regardless of whether the individual was literally castrated. This metonymic usage highlights the social and political power associated with the position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐνοῦχος appears exclusively in the New Testament, with two particularly significant contexts:
* **[[Matthew 19:12]]:** In this pivotal passage, Jesus expands the definition of εὐνοῦχος beyond mere physical castration. He identifies three categories:
1. "eunuchs who were born so from their mother's womb" (referring to those with congenital physical inability to marry or procreate).
2. "eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men" (referring to literal castration, often for servitude or court positions).
3. "eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" (referring to those who voluntarily choose celibacy for spiritual devotion and service to God's kingdom). This third category is profoundly significant, shifting the understanding of "eunuch" from a physical state to a spiritual commitment, emphasizing a radical form of discipleship.
* **[[Acts 8:27-39]]:** This narrative features the prominent figure of the Ethiopian eunuch. He is described as a εὐνοῦχος (eunoûchos) and a δυνάστης (dynastēs, "high official") of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, "in charge of all her treasure." Here, the term clearly functions in its extended sense of a high-ranking court official or minister, rather than necessarily implying physical castration, though it does not rule it out. The primary focus is on his significant status and his spiritual journey. His conversion and baptism by Philip are momentous, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which transcends traditional Jewish boundaries and the Old Testament restrictions regarding eunuchs entering the assembly ([[Deuteronomy 23:1]]).
While εὐνοῦχος is a New Testament Greek term, the *concept* of eunuchs serving as court officials is well-attested in the Old Testament through the Hebrew term סָרִיס (saris, `{{H5631}}`), which similarly denotes both a castrated male and a high-ranking officer (e.g., Potiphar in [[Genesis 39:1]], or officials in the courts of Israelite and Babylonian kings).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The most direct Old Testament parallel is סָרִיס (saris, `{{H5631}}`), which carries the same dual meaning of a physically castrated person and a court official or chamberlain. This linguistic parallel highlights a consistent ancient Near Eastern practice and terminology.
* **Celibacy and Continence:** Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 19:12]] directly links εὐνοῦχος to the concept of voluntary celibacy for religious purposes. This idea is further explored in Pauline epistles, particularly in [[1 Corinthians 7]], where Paul discusses the benefits of remaining unmarried for dedicated service to the Lord.
* **Inclusivity of the Gospel:** The story of the Ethiopian eunuch in [[Acts 8]] powerfully illustrates the breaking down of barriers in the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, eunuchs were explicitly excluded from the assembly of the Lord ([[Deuteronomy 23:1]]). However, the New Covenant extends salvation and full participation to all who believe, regardless of their physical condition, social status, or ethnic background. This inclusion fulfills prophecies like [[Isaiah 56:3-5]], which promises "a name better than sons and daughters" to eunuchs who keep God's covenant.
* **Radical Discipleship and Service:** The "eunuchs for the kingdom" in Matthew's Gospel represent a call to radical discipleship, where individuals may choose to forgo conventional societal norms (like marriage and family) for singular devotion and service to God's kingdom. This underscores a life dedicated to higher spiritual purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐνοῦχος is profound, particularly in its New Testament usage:
* **Redefinition of Righteousness and Devotion:** Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 19:12]] radically redefines what it means to be a "eunuch." It shifts the focus from a physical state (whether congenital, imposed, or chosen for worldly reasons) to a spiritual choice made for the sake of God's Kingdom. This emphasizes that true devotion to God is not about physical perfection or societal status, but about an inner commitment, sacrifice, and surrender to divine purposes. It elevates spiritual dedication and intentional sacrifice over biological capacity or social expectations.
* **The Kingdom of Heaven and Costly Discipleship:** The "eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" represent a high calling to costly discipleship. This choice, presented as a gift ("Let anyone accept this who can"), signifies a life wholly dedicated to God, unhindered by the demands of marriage and family, for the advancement of God's purposes. It highlights the all-encompassing nature of commitment to Christ and the priority of eternal realities.
* **Universal Reach of the New Covenant:** The narrative of the Ethiopian eunuch in [[Acts 8]] serves as a powerful testament to the universal and inclusive nature of the Gospel. Despite the Old Testament proscriptions, this "outsider" is not only welcomed but also baptized, becoming one of the earliest Gentile converts. This event vividly prefigures the full inclusion of Gentiles into the Church and underscores that God's grace extends to all who genuinely seek Him, regardless of their physical condition, social standing, or ethnic background. It demonstrates that the new covenant's embrace transcends all human-made and even Old Covenant-based barriers.
* **Sacrifice and Spiritual Reward:** The concept of "eunuchs for the kingdom" implies a significant personal sacrifice—the renunciation of marriage and procreation. However, this sacrifice is presented not as a loss, but as a means to a greater spiritual reward, deeper intimacy with God, and more focused service, demonstrating that true fulfillment is found in Christ and His kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek term εὐνοῦχος (eunoûchos, `{{G2135}}`) initially denotes a castrated male, often serving as a trusted court official or chamberlain in ancient Near Eastern contexts. This base meaning extends to any high-ranking state officer, irrespective of physical castration, due to the common association of eunuchs with such positions. However, its theological significance is most profoundly revealed in the New Testament. In [[Matthew 19:12]], Jesus transforms the term by including those who voluntarily choose celibacy "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven," thereby elevating a physical condition to a spiritual commitment and a radical form of discipleship. The story of the Ethiopian eunuch in [[Acts 8]] further illustrates the "chamberlain" sense and, more importantly, vividly demonstrates the New Covenant's radical inclusivity, showing that God's salvation extends to all, regardless of their physical status or social standing, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of welcome for the marginalized. Thus, εὐνοῦχος encapsulates themes of dedicated service, personal sacrifice for spiritual ends, and the universal, barrier-breaking grace of God.
TRV