Matthew 19:12 (WEB)
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.”
As quoted in the map (KJV)
Matthew 19:12 (KJV)
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.
Key words
- εὐνοῦχοιeunouchoi · Greek
- 'eunuchs' — used figuratively of those who renounce marriage.
- διὰ τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶνdia tēn basileian tōn ouranōn · Greek
- 'for the kingdom of heaven's sake' — celibacy embraced for God.
- ὁ δυνάμενος χωρεῖν χωρείτωho dynamenos chōrein chōreitō · Greek
- 'he that is able to receive it, let him receive it' — a calling for some, not a rule for all.
Why it matters
Jesus praises those who make themselves 'eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven,' commending lifelong celibacy for God. Pitre uses this to rebut the claim that a first-century Jewish woman would never have vowed virginity: consecrated celibacy was known in Mary's world (the Essenes, the prophetess Anna) and endorsed by her own Son. Her vow fits her Judaism rather than contradicting it.