Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s Sake (Matthew 19:10-12)

2024-02-20

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. (Matthew 19:10-12)

Previously, we saw how the apostle Paul’s authority is questioned by some because he spoke about remaining single rather than marrying, which was not a commandment, but rather a better choice. It is interesting that the Lord Jesus is saying the same thing in this passage above.

When the disciples saw how permanent marriage was, and that divorce and remarriage was adultery, they saw how it would be better not to marry. The Lord did not argue with them; rather, He said that singleness is not for everyone.

What are these examples of eunuchs? The first is the eunuch by birth defect. The second is the eunuch that was forced into that way by kings or other reasons; these were born without defect but were mutilated against their will. The third is the one who willingly chose to be a eunuch because of the cause of Christ.

Now strange interpretations were given for this third case in the past. However, if you look at the passage context, which clearly talks about avoiding marriage for its severity or for the kingdom’s sake, Jesus is using the term eunuch as one who remains unmarried. It is doubtful that He means that such people have mutilated their bodies. They avoid marriage because they have given themselves to serve the Lord better. They are not tempted with fornication as much as others are (“save they to whom it is given”); they give up marrying a wife like Paul did.

This passage is in perfect harmony with 1 Corinthians 7.