Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5309 eunuchs

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.

Eunuchs as royal servants

Esther 1:10-11 See also 2 Kings 20:16-18 pp Isaiah 39:5-7; Esther 2:1-3,15; Esther 4:4-11; Jeremiah 38:7 fn; Acts 8:27

Eunuchs among the people of God

Exclusions of eunuchs from the assembly and the priesthood

Deuteronomy 23:1 See also Leviticus 21:16-23

Eunuchs not excluded from God's blessings if obedient

Isaiah 56:3-5

Eunuchs could become Christians like anyone else

See also Acts 8:26-39 the Ethiopian eunuch

Eunuch as an image for celibacy

Matthew 19:10-12 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

See also

Galatians 5:12

See also

5736  singleness
7334  circumcision
8468  renunciation