Keraia
Matthew 19

Matthew 19:12

Teachings about Divorce · Matthew 19:1–12
Read Matthew 19

Translations

Modern
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.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
For there are eunuchs who were born thus from the womb of their mother, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of the heavens. The one being able to receive it, let him receive it.”
Latin
Sunt enim eunuchi, qui de matris utero sic nati sunt: et sunt eunuchi, qui facti sunt ab hominibus: et sunt eunuchi, qui seipsos castraverunt propter regnum cælorum. Qui potest capere capiat.

Original

Greek
English
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.”

Notes

Matthew 19:12

  • Eunuchs are men who cannot physically have children, either because of a birth defect or because they were made unable through surgery (castration). Jesus also used the word in a figurative way for those who choose not to marry (see Luke 14:26; 18:29; 1 Corinthians 7:7–8).

  • for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven: Jesus was not criticizing marriage. He meant that unmarried people often have more freedom for ministry (see 1 Corinthians 7:25–35).

Matthew 19:1–20:34

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.

Events

Parallels

Mark 10:1–12

Glossary

Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Eunuch Gospel of Matthew Marriage, Marriage Customs Virgin

Topics

Celibacy: General Scriptures Concerning Continence: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Eunuch: General Scriptures Concerning Eunuch: Those Who Voluntarily Became (Continent, Probably) for the Kingdom of Heaven's Sake Eunuchs Jesus, the Christ: Interprets the Law Concerning Marriage and Divorce (In Peraea) Not Having Children Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Those Who Practiced Celibacy |For the Kingdom of Heaven's Sake|