What is a eunuch in the Bible?

Answer

The eunuchs in the Bible were typically castrated males or individuals unable to reproduce due to a birth defect. A eunuch could also be someone who carried out tasks typical of eunuchs, even though he remained fully capable of engaging in sexual activity—meaning “eunuch” was sometimes just a title. The purpose of deliberate castration was to render the individual impotent and eliminate sexuality. It was a common practice in ancient times for rulers to castrate some of their servants and/or advisors to control and placate them. It was particularly prevalent to castrate men who served in the royal harem. Queen Esther’s eunuchs are mentioned in Esther 4:4.

In Matthew 19:12, Jesus discusses eunuchs in the context of the desirability of marriage. He states, “There are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Here, Jesus identifies three categories of “eunuchs”: natural eunuchs (“born that way”), coerced eunuchs (“made eunuchs by others”), and voluntary eunuchs (“those who choose”).

Natural eunuchs encompass those born with a physical defect, as well as those born without a genuine inclination for marriage or sex. Coerced eunuchs are individuals who have been castrated for various reasons. Voluntary eunuchs are those who, in order to better serve the Lord in some capacity, opt to forgo marriage. Some individuals are called by God to remain single (and thus celibate). Paul mentions those who serve the Lord while unmarried in 1 Corinthians 7:7—9.

Certain LGBTQ+ groups argue that Jesus was alluding to homosexuals when He mentioned eunuchs who were “born that way.” However, the Bible never equates the terms homosexual and eunuch. Additionally, eunuchs are never depicted in Scripture as being sinful, while homosex

Quality is universally condemned in both the Old and New Testaments.