Matthew 19:12
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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.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
For there are some eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb--persons constitutionally either incapable of or indisposed to marriage. and there are some eunuchs which were made eunuchs of men--persons rendered incapable by others. and there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake--persons who, to do God's work better, deliberately choose this state. Such was Paul (Co1 7:7). He that is able to receive it, let him receive it--"He who feels this to be his proper vocation, let him embrace it"; which, of course, is as much as to say--"he only." Thus, all are left free in this matter. Next: Matthew Chapter 20
Open source ↗19:12 Eunuchs are males castrated either by a birth defect or by a surgical operation. Jesus also uses the term metaphorically for those who choose not to marry (see Luke 14:26; 18:29; 1 Cor 7:7-8). • for the sake of the Kingdom: Jesus was not denigrating marriage; he was simply indicating that the unmarried often have greater potential for ministry (see 1 Cor 7:25-35).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.