Let's talk about Matthew 19:12
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 3:58 pm
Interpreting Matthew 19:12 literally involves considering the three categories of eunuchs Jesus describes:
Those born as eunuchs: Individuals with physical conditions preventing reproduction.
Those made eunuchs by men: Those castrated by others.
Those who made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven: Those who voluntarily chose physical castration.
However:
Early Christians debated the literal meaning. Some, like Origen, self-castrated, but this was a minority view rejected later.
Most Christians consider the literal interpretation of the third category, which involves self-castration, to be incorrect.
The context of Matthew 19:10-12, following a discussion on marriage, suggests a broader meaning.
The Greek word "eunuchoi" can refer to castrated men, but also to those dedicated to celibacy.
Jesus' focus appears to be on accepting the idea of remaining unmarried for the kingdom's sake, rather than on physical castration.
Therefore, a literal interpretation of Matthew 19:12, particularly the third category, would mean accepting self-castration, which is not the common Christian interpretation. Most commentators understand the third category as those who choose celibacy to serve God.
But me, I'm here to do it directly but through the use of depo provera
Those born as eunuchs: Individuals with physical conditions preventing reproduction.
Those made eunuchs by men: Those castrated by others.
Those who made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven: Those who voluntarily chose physical castration.
However:
Early Christians debated the literal meaning. Some, like Origen, self-castrated, but this was a minority view rejected later.
Most Christians consider the literal interpretation of the third category, which involves self-castration, to be incorrect.
The context of Matthew 19:10-12, following a discussion on marriage, suggests a broader meaning.
The Greek word "eunuchoi" can refer to castrated men, but also to those dedicated to celibacy.
Jesus' focus appears to be on accepting the idea of remaining unmarried for the kingdom's sake, rather than on physical castration.
Therefore, a literal interpretation of Matthew 19:12, particularly the third category, would mean accepting self-castration, which is not the common Christian interpretation. Most commentators understand the third category as those who choose celibacy to serve God.
But me, I'm here to do it directly but through the use of depo provera