who are eunuchs?

by Rose Makero | 1 September 2019 08:46 pm09

In Matthew 19:12 (NKJV), Jesus explains that there are three types of eunuchs:

“For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)

Let’s break this down simply:

1. Eunuchs Born That Way

These are people who, from birth, cannot have children or marry. God created them like this for His own reasons, often setting them apart for special purposes.

Example: Some biblical figures, like Daniel and his friends, were possibly in this category (Daniel 1:3–7), serving in royal courts without focusing on marriage.

2. Eunuchs Made That Way by Others

In ancient times, especially in royal courts, some men were physically altered (castrated) to serve kings without distractions from women.

Example: Servants who looked after royal harems were often made eunuchs (see Esther 2:3, 2:14).

3. Eunuchs by Personal Choice for God’s Kingdom

These are people who choose to remain unmarried so that they can serve God without the distractions and responsibilities of marriage.

Example: Apostle Paul speaks about this choice:

“(1 Corinthians 7:8, NKJV)

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am.” 

 Paul chose a single life to serve the Lord with complete focus.

Jesus Himself was also unmarried, fully dedicating His life to the mission of salvation.

Examples of Spiritual Eunuchs

Jesus Christ – remained unmarried for the sake of His mission (Luke 19:10; Hebrews 4:15).

Apostle Paul – chose singleness to focus on preaching (1 Corinthians 7:32–35).

Barnabas – served with Paul and also stayed unmarried (Acts 13:2–3).

Possibly John the Baptist – lived a life of complete dedication (Luke 1:15–17).

Daniel and companions – served in the king’s court with total devotion (Daniel 1:8).

Important Note;

It’s a calling, not a command. Not everyone is called to live unmarried. Jesus said, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12b).

 Paul also wrote that marriage is good, but singleness can be better if someone feels called (1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:17, NKJV).

It’s a spiritual gift. The ability to live a celibate life peacefully and happily comes from God — it is a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7). Not everyone has this grace.

Freedom to serve God fully. Staying unmarried gives more freedom to focus on God’s work:

“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32, NKJV).

Women, too, can have this calling.

 Just like men, women who choose to stay unmarried to dedicate themselves to God are spiritually seen like “eunuchs” — meaning fully consecrated for God’s work.

Summary

Eunuchs, according to the Bible, are people who either:

Were born unable to marry,

Were made that way by others,

Or chose by themselves not to marry — all for the purpose of serving God better.

This life of singleness is a special calling. It is not for everyone, but for those who have the gift, it brings incredible freedom to serve God with undivided hearts.

“He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)

Be blessed as you seek to understand and walk in God’s unique calling for your life!

 

 

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/09/01/who-are-eunuchs/

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