εὐνοῦχος (eunouchos)
eunouchos
eunuch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word eunouchos literally means "bed keeper," referring originally to a chamberlain or superintendent of the harem in oriental courts. In the Old Testament, it translates the Hebrew saris, which often denoted a high-ranking official rather than strictly an emasculated man. This administrative sense appears in Acts 8:27, where the Ethiopian eunuch serves as a treasurer for Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.
The term also describes a man who is physically incapable of marriage or procreation, or one who voluntarily chooses celibacy. Jesus uses this concept in Matthew 19:12 to explain that some individuals are born without the capacity for marriage, others are made so by men, and some choose it "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven." This usage highlights a specific vocation distinct from the general call to family life.
Translators typically render eunouchos simply as "eunuch," though the word carries cultural weight regarding courtly power and social status. The sources note that while the physical condition was common, the role often involved significant authority and trust within royal households. The New Testament presents both the literal office holder and the metaphorical choice of celibacy without judgment, focusing instead on their respective contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eunouchos carries a rich history in Scripture, moving beyond simple physical description to highlight dignity and spiritual readiness. In ancient courts, these officials held significant trust and authority, often serving as treasurers or advisors. This background enriches our understanding of the Ethiopian official in Acts 8, whose high status did not disqualify him from encountering God. Instead, his position became the platform for a profound journey of faith.
Jesus also uses this term metaphorically in Matthew 19 to describe those who choose celibacy for the Kingdom. This highlights that God values different callings and circumstances uniquely. Whether one is married or single, serving in high office or seeking simple truth, every person has a distinct place in God’s plan. The text invites us to see our specific situations not as barriers, but as opportunities to receive and share the Gospel with joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- eunuchs3×
- eunuch;2×
- eunuch,1×
- eunuch1×
- a eunuch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐνοῦχοι3×
- εὐνοῦχος·2×
- εὐνοῦχος2×
- εὐνοῦχος,1×
Key Verses
-
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.”
Jesus expands the definition of eunuch to include those who voluntarily embrace celibacy for spiritual purposes, validating a distinct vocation.
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Acts 8:27
He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
The term identifies the Ethiopian as a high-ranking treasurer, showing that social status and physical condition did not prevent him from seeking God.
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Acts 8:39
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.
The narrative concludes with the eunuch rejoicing after baptism, emphasizing the transformative joy of receiving the Gospel regardless of one's background.