Dictionary of Bible Themes Castrated men. In the Bible eunuchs are usually portrayed as having positions of responsibility in royal courts. Though eunuchs were excluded from certain privileges under the old covenant, they were at no disadvantage under the new. Esther 1:10-11Eunuchs as royal servants See also 2 Kings 20:16-18Esther 2:1-3,15; 4:4-11 Jeremiah 38:7 fn pp Isa 39:5-7 Acts 8:27Deuteronomy 23:1 Eunuchs among the people of God See also Exclusions of eunuchs from the assembly and the priesthood Leviticus 21:16-23Isaiah 56:3-5 Eunuchs not excluded from God's blessings if obedient See also Acts 8:26-39Eunuchs could become Christians like anyone else the Ethiopian eunuch Matthew 19:10-12Eunuch as an image for celibacy See also Jesus Christ teaches that castration is not the only legitimate reason for celibacy. Some men may be called to voluntary celibacy because of the demands of their role in the kingdom of heaven. Paul suggests that a dogmatic demand for circumcision might lead to a demand for emasculation Galatians 5:12See also 5736 singleness7334 circumcision 8469 respect |
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