Matthew 19:12

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].

For {G1063} there are {G1526} some eunuchs {G2135}, which {G3748} were so {G3779} born {G1080} from {G1537} their mother's {G3384} womb {G2836}: and {G2532} there are {G1526} some eunuchs {G2135}, which {G3748} were made eunuchs {G2134} of {G5259} men {G444}: and {G2532} there be {G1526} eunuchs {G2135}, which {G3748} have made {G2134} themselves {G1438} eunuchs {G2134} for {G1223} the kingdom {G932} of heaven's sake {G3772}. He that is able {G1410} to receive {G5562} it, let him receive {G5562} it.

For there are different reasons why men do not marry -- some because they were born without the desire, some because they have been castrated, and some because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever can grasp this, let him do so."

For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Commentary

In Matthew 19:12, Jesus concludes a discussion on marriage and divorce with a profound and often misunderstood statement about different types of "eunuchs." This verse highlights a unique calling to dedicated service for the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing that not everyone is able to embrace such a path.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' rigorous teaching on the permanence of marriage, where He declares that divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, constitutes adultery (Matthew 19:9). The disciples, upon hearing this, exclaim that if this is the case, "it is not good to marry" (Matthew 19:10). Jesus' response in verse 12 is not a general command against marriage, but an explanation of a specific, voluntary commitment to singleness for a spiritual purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Three Categories of "Eunuchs": Jesus identifies three distinct groups:
    1. Born so from their mother's womb: This refers to individuals who are physically incapable of marriage or procreation due to congenital conditions.
    2. Made eunuchs of men: This describes those who were castrated, often for service in ancient royal courts or harems. This was a forced condition, not a choice.
    3. Made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake: This is the crucial, metaphorical category. It refers to those who voluntarily choose a life of celibacy or singleness, not due to physical inability or compulsion, but out of a consecrated devotion to God and His work. This choice allows for undistracted service to the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • A Special Calling, Not a Universal Command: The concluding phrase, "He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it]," underscores that this third category of "eunuchs" is a specific calling, a spiritual gift, not a universal expectation for all believers. It requires a unique capacity or grace given by God, as also discussed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:7.
  • Sacrifice and Dedication: Choosing singleness for the Kingdom's sake is presented as a profound act of sacrifice and complete dedication to God. It signifies placing the advancement of God's purposes above personal desires for family life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "eunuch," eunouchos (εὐνοῦχος), literally means a castrated man or a chamberlain. However, in the third category, Jesus uses it metaphorically. It signifies a person who, for spiritual reasons, chooses to live as if they were a eunuch in terms of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations. This isn't about physical alteration but about a spiritual posture of celibacy and singular devotion.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:12 offers valuable insights for believers today:

  • Honoring Singleness: This verse validates and dignifies the choice of singleness, particularly when it is embraced for the sake of serving God more fully. It reminds us that singleness can be a calling as honorable as marriage.
  • Purposeful Living: It encourages believers to consider how their life circumstances—whether married or single—can best be leveraged for God's glory and the advancement of His Kingdom.
  • Personal Calling: Not everyone is called to this path of celibacy for the Kingdom. It is a specific gift and calling, and individuals should discern their own capacity and God's will for their lives, rather than feeling pressured to conform to an ideal not meant for them. The focus is on wholehearted devotion, whatever one's marital status.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 (9 votes)

    But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:38 (9 votes)

    So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5 (7 votes)

    Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

  • Isaiah 56:3 (6 votes)

    ¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.

  • Isaiah 56:4 (6 votes)

    For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

  • Isaiah 39:7 (4 votes)

    And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:15 (3 votes)

    ¶ But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.