εὐνουχίζω (eunouchizō)
eunouchizō
to become a eunuch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eunouchizō means to castrate or neuter a man. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Matthew 19:12. In this specific instance, Jesus uses it in a metaphorical sense when discussing marriage and celibacy for the sake of the kingdom.
Jesus identifies three types of eunuchs: those born that way, those made so by others, and those who have "made themselves eunuchs" for the kingdom. The reflexive use here does not imply literal self-mutilation, but rather a voluntary choice to remain unmarried and childless to focus entirely on serving God. This highlights a radical commitment where personal family ties are set aside for spiritual service.
Translators typically render this as "made themselves eunuchs" or "have renounced marriage." The word carries significant weight because it describes a permanent, irreversible state chosen for a higher purpose. It underscores the seriousness of discipleship in Matthew’s Gospel, where following Jesus may require giving up fundamental social structures like family life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jesus speaks about a radical kind of freedom in Matthew 19:12. He mentions those who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom. This does not mean physical harm, but a willing choice to leave behind marriage and family ties. It is a picture of total availability for God’s work.
For many believers, this word points to a life fully given over to service. Whether you are married or single, the call is to prioritize the gospel above all else. This commitment requires courage, but it also brings a unique joy in serving without distraction. Your whole heart belongs to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were made eunuchs1×
- made eunuchs of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐνούχισαν1×
- εὐνουχίσθησαν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
This verse defines the three categories of eunuchs and uses the term to describe voluntary celibacy for spiritual service rather than physical castration.