“For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth” – Proposal of a new interpretation of Matt. 19:12

Abstract

A detailed historical and critical analysis of Jesus’ words in Matt. 19:10-12 in relation to the immediate (Matt. 19:3-9) and further context. I argue for a broad understanding of Jesus’ logion about the three categories of eunuchs. All of them may have evoked aversion or even disgust among Jesus’ and Matthew’s audience. Even if Jesus wanted to make his disciples aware of the weight of giving up normal married life and having offspring in view of the approaching kingdom of heaven, in his logion He endorses all three groups of “eunuchs”. The contemporary implications of these words entail an openness to all who do not fit into the norm of the heterosexual family with children.