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.
Catechism · 6
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
“All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."” — Catechism footnote: Mt 19:12.
The Sacrament of Matrimony
“He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."” — Catechism footnote: Mt 19:12.
“It is he who gives them meaning and grants them the grace which is indispensable for living them out in conformity with his will.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 19:3-12.
The Ten Commandments
“observance of the Commandments, is joined to the call to poverty and chastity.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 19:6-12, 21, 23-29.
The Sixth Commandment
“"What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder."” — Catechism footnote: Mk 109; cf. Mt 19:1-12; 1 Cor 7: 10-11.
Christ's Faithful - Hierarchy, Laity, Consecrated Life
“From apostolic times Christian virgins, called by the Lord to cling only to him with greater freedom of heart, body, and spirit, have decided with the Church's approval to live in a state of virginity "for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven."” — Catechism footnote: Mt 19:12; cf. l Cor 7:34-36.
Fathers and councils · 56
Jerome
“If all were able to be virgins, our Lord would never have said:“He that is able to receive it, let him receive it:” and the Apostle would not have hesitated to give his advice,—“Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“For when you forsook the army and made yourself an eunuch for the kingdom of heaven’s sake, you did so that you might follow the perfect life.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“Some people may be eunuchs from necessity; I am one of free will.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 11, 12.
Read the whole comment“He that can bear it, I reply, let him bear it; he that cannot must look to himself.” — editor's note: Cf. Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“And immediately by the instance of the three eunuchs he shows the blessedness of virginity which is bound by no carnal tie.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 10–12.
Read the whole comment“Thus the apostle refrains from making virginity a positive duty, because the Lord in speaking of eunuchs who had made themselves such for the kingdom of heaven’s sake finally said: “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“…of the apostle’s words: “all things are lawful unto me but all things are not expedient,” and make eunuchs of themselves for the kingdom of heaven’s sake either by consent after their regeneration through the baptismal laver, or else in the ardour of their faith immediately after their marriage; why should not a…” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
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Eusebius of Caesarea
“For he took the words, “There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” in too literal and extreme a sense.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
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Ambrose of Milan
““There be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“For “there are some who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xix. 12.
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John Cassian
- John Cassian, Conferences XVIII–XXIV XXI.5Conference XXI
“But here on account of the superiority and excellence of the commandments it is said: “He that can receive it, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xix. 12.
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Augustine of Hippo
“I should, therefore, have listened more attentively to these words, and, being severed “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” I would with greater happiness have expected Thy embraces.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“I had heard from the mouth of truth that “there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake;” but, saith He, “he that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“And the Lord said, “All men cannot receive this saying, but let him that can receive it, receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 11, 12.
Read the whole comment“And so on, down to the words, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 1–12.
Read the whole comment“But them, unto whom it is said, “Whoso can receive, let him receive,” we must exhort, that they be not alarmed; and alarm that they be not lifted up.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12
Read the whole comment“…the People of God, and City of the kingdom of heaven, whoso can receive sacred virginity, let him receive it; and let her only, who contains not, be married.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12; 1 Cor. vii. 9
Read the whole comment“For, upon His speaking after a divine and fearful manner concerning husband and wife not separating, save on account of fornication, His disciples said to Him, “If the case be such with a wife, it is not good to marry.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 10, 11, 12
Read the whole comment“Ye also who have not yet made this vow, who are able to receive it, receive it.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12
Read the whole comment“Yea more, that, which Thou commandedst not, but only didst set forth, for such as would, to seize, saying, “Whoso can receive, let him receive;” they have seized, they have vowed, and, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, not for that Thou threatenedst, but for that Thou exhortedst, they have made themselves eunuchs.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12
Read the whole comment“…whom if there were given such choice as in the revelation of the New Testament there hath been given, the Lord saying “Whoso can receive, let him receive;” no one doubts that they would have been ready to receive it even with joy, who reads with careful attention what use they made of their wives, at a time when…” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12
Read the whole comment“But this they have, unto whom it is said, “Whoso can receive, let him receive.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12
Read the whole comment“But from the period that the fullness of time hath come, that it should be said, “Whoso can receive, let him receive,” from that period even unto this present, and from henceforth even unto the end, whoso hath, worketh: whoso shall be unwilling to work, let him not falsely say, that he hath.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12
Read the whole comment“But forasmuch as it is written, “Whoso can receive, let him receive;” then do they receive who can, when silence is not kept even toward those who cannot.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 11, 12
Read the whole comment“This is what I wish, if possible, to speak to you, beloved; but, according to those words of the Lord, “he that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
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Tertullian
“These things, my brother, seem to you perhaps harsh and not to be endured; but recall that God has said, “He who receives it, let him receive it,” that is, let him who does not receive it go his way.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“…marriage, even thus He would seem to be introducing nothing of “novelty;” seeing that the Lord Himself opens “the kingdoms of the heavens” to “eunuchs,” as being Himself, withal, a virgin; to whom looking, the apostle also—himself too for this reason abstinent—gives the preference to continence. (“Yes”), you…” — editor's note: See Matt. xix. 12. Comp. de. Pa., c. xiii.; de. Cult. Fem., l. ii. c. ix.
Read the whole comment“…one shall die in his own sin;” and “eunuchs” not only have lost ignominy, but have even deserved grace, being invited into “the kingdoms of the heavens:” the law of succeeding to the wife of a brother being buried, its contrary has obtained—that of not succeeding to the wife of a brother.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12, often quoted.
Read the whole comment“…(them) that “the kingdom of heavens” is “children’s;” while He associates with these (children) others who, after marriage, remained (or became) virgins;” while He calls (them) to (copy) the simplicity of the dove, a bird not merely innocuous, but modest too, and whereof one male knows one female; while He denies…” — editor's note: Alios post nuptias pueros. The reference seems to be to Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“For again He says, “Let him who is able to receive, receive (it);” that is, let him who is not able go his way.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“Further, if we set down in order the higher and happier grades of bodily patience, (we find that) it is she who is entrusted by holiness with the care of continence of the flesh: she keeps the widow, and sets on the virgin the seal and raises the self-made eunuch to the realms of heaven.” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“Why, are there not many, withal, who so do, and seal themselves up to eunuchhood for the sake of the kingdom of God, spontaneously relinquishing a pleasure so honourable, and (as we know) permitted?” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“Thus in the Revelation of John it is said: “These are they which have not defiled their clothes with women,”—indicating, of course, virgins, and such as have become “eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“How many, again, who by equal mutual consent cancel the debt of matrimony—voluntary eunuchs for the sake of their desire after the celestial kingdom!” — editor's note: Comp. de Pa., xiii., and Matt. xix. 12. Comp. too, de Ex. Cast., c. i.
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First Council of Nicaea (325)
“…one in the Second Council of Arles (canon vii.) were aimed against that perverted notion of piety, originating in the misinterpretation of our Lord’s saying (Matt. xix. 12) by which Origen, among others, was misled, and their observance was so carefully enforced in later times that not more than one or two instances…” — the author cites it
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John Chrysostom
“And so the Lord after naming three manners of the eunuch state, leaveth two of them uncrowned, and admitteth one into the kingdom of heaven. ( Matt. xix. 12.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“And if, “they could not,” is put, instead of, “they would not,” do not marvel, for He saith also in another place, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.” ( Matt. xix. 12.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“At any rate, Christ speaking of virginity saith, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.” ( Matt. xix. 12.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“…womb, 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,”by these words secretly leading them to choose the thing, and establishing the possibility of this virtue, and all but saying, Consider if thou wert in such…” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“…of renouncing possessions: for, “if thou wilt be perfect,” saith He, “sell that thou hast:”and of virginity, “He that is able to receive, let him receive it:”and of humility, “For except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven:”and of a recompense of the things…” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
Read the whole comment“Great things had He spoken of virginity, saying, “There are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of Heaven’s sake;” and, “He that is able to receive, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
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Synod of Gangra (c. 340)
“The saying of our Blessed Lord with reference to those who had become “eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” and those words of St. Paul “He that giveth his virgin in marriage doeth well, but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better,” together with the striking…” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 12.
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Clement of Alexandria
“Sunt enim eunuchi alii a nativitate, alii vero a necessitate.’”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 11, 12.
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Cyprian of Carthage
“He who can receive it, let him receive it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 11, 12.
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Catena Aurea on Matthew
- JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
A wife is a grievous burden, if it is not permitted to put her away except for the cause of fornication. For what if she be a drunkard, an evil temper, or of evil habits, is she to be kept? The Apostles, perceiving…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
For it is a lighter thing to contend with himself, and his own lust, than with an evil woman.
Read the whole comment - JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
But let none think, that wherein He adds, “save they to whom it is given,” that either fate or fortune is implied, as though they were virgins only whom chance has led to such a fortune. For that is given to those…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
Then to shew that this is possible, He says, “For there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men;” as much as to say, Consider, had you been so made of others, you would have lost the pleasure without gaining…
Read the whole comment - JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
He speaks of three kinds of eunuchs, of whom two are carnal, and one spiritual. One, those who are so born of their mother’s womb; another, those whom enemies or courtly luxury has made so; a third, those who have…
Read the whole comment - JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
Or we may say otherwise. The eunuchs from their mothers’ wombs are they whose nature is colder, and not prone to lust. And they that are made so of men are they whom physicians made so, or they whom worship of idols…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
When he says, “Who have made themselves eunuchs,” He does not mean cutting off of members, but a putting away of evil thoughts. For he that cuts off a limb is under a curse, for such an one undertakes the deeds of…
Read the whole comment - Pseudo-ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
And the Lord said not, It is good, but rather assented that it is not good. However, He considered the weakness of the flesh; “But he said unto them, All cannot receive this saying;” that is, All are not able to do this.
Read the whole comment - Pseudo-ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
But all cannot obtain it, because all do not desire to obtain it. The prize is before them; he who desires the honour will not consider the toil. None would ever vanquish, if all shunned the struggle. Because then…
Read the whole comment - Pseudo-ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
For as the deed without the will does not constitute a sin; so a righteous act is not in the deed unless the will go with it. That therefore is honourable continence, not which mutilation of body of necessity…
Read the whole comment - Hilary of PoitiersCatena Aurea on Matthew
The cause in one item he assigns nature; in the next violence, and in the last his own choice, in him, namely, that determined to be so from hope of the kingdom of heaven.
Read the whole comment - Pseudo-ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
For they are born such, just as others are born having six or four fingers. For if God according as He formed our bodies in the beginning, had continued the same order unchangeably, the working of God would have been…
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Cross-references · 63
Cited together in On the Resurrection of the Flesh Chapter 27.
Cited together in Concerning Widows Chapter 13.
Cited together in Concerning Widows Chapter 13.
Cited together in Concerning Widows Chapter 13.
Cited together in Catechism §1618.
Cited together in Catechism §1618.
Cited together in Catechism §1618.
Cited together in Catechism §1618.
Cited together in Of Holy Virginity Chapter 30.
Cited together in Catechism §1618.
Cited together in Homilies on John Homily 35.
Cited together in Homilies on John Homily 35.
Cited together in Homilies on John Homily 35.
Cited together in Homilies on John Homily 35.
Cited together in Concerning Widows Chapter 13.
Cited together in Of Holy Virginity Chapter 1.
Cited together in On the Duties of the Clergy II.6.
Cited together in Confessions II.2 and 1 other place.
Cited together in On Monogamy Chapter 3.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 25 and 2 other places.
Cited together in Catechism §2364.
Cited together in Concerning Widows Chapter 13.
Cited together in Confessions II.2.
Cited together in On the Apparel of Women II.8 and 1 other place.
Cited together in On the Apparel of Women II.8.
Cited together in Catechism §1579 and 2 other places.
Cited together in Confessions II.2 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Catechism §922 and 2 other places.
Cited together in Catechism §922 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Catechism §922.
Cited together in On Monogamy Chapter 3 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Synod of Gangra, Canon 1.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 27.
Cited together in Concerning Widows Chapter 13.
Cited together in On the Apparel of Women II.8.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 15.
Cited together in Of Holy Virginity Chapter 37.
Cited together in On the Apparel of Women II.8.
Cited together in Homilies on John Homily 35.
Cited together in On Monogamy Chapter 3.
Cited together in On the Apparel of Women II.8.
Cited together in On Monogamy Chapter 3.
Cited together in On Monogamy Chapter 3.
Cited together in On the Resurrection of the Flesh Chapter 27.
Cited together in On the Resurrection of the Flesh Chapter 27.
Cited together in To His Wife I.6.
Cited together in Catechism §1618 and 2 other places.
Cited together in Of Holy Virginity Chapter 30.
Cited together in Conferences XVIII–XXIV XXI.5.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 27.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 27.
Cited together in Conferences XVIII–XXIV XXI.5.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 25.
Cited together in On the Duties of the Clergy II.6.
Cited together in Of Holy Virginity Chapter 30.
Cited together in On the Duties of the Clergy II.6.
Cited together in On Monogamy Chapter 3.
Cited together in On the Good of Marriage Chapter 15.
Cited together in Confessions II.2.
Cited together in On the Resurrection of the Flesh Chapter 27.
Cited together in Of Holy Virginity Chapter 30.
Cited together in On the Resurrection of the Flesh Chapter 27.
Cited together in Confessions II.2.