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Matthew 19

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

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.

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

What does Matthew 19:12 mean?

Explanation

In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is speaking about celibacy.

The verse acknowledges the existence of eunuchs (men who are castrated or impotent) and highlights three categories: those who were born as eunuchs, those who were made eunuchs by others, and those who choose to live like eunuchs for religious reasons, specifically "for the kingdom of heaven's sake." In this context, Jesus seems to be recognizing and validating the choice of celibacy as a viable option for his followers who can accept this way of life.

Celibacy, in this sense, is presented as a spiritual discipline or sacrifice made in pursuit of religious commitment or dedication to the Christian faith.

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Historical Context

This verse is set within a discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding marriage and divorce in Matthew 19:3-12.

During this time, eunuchs were common in the Middle East and Mediterranean cultures, often serving in royal courts.

They were trusted to be guards or servants in harems or officials in various capacities because they were not considered a sexual threat.

The practice of castration was both a way to subjugate individuals and a means of creating a distinctive class of servile functionaries.

Jesus' mention of eunuchs comes after he talks about the indissolubility of marriage, in which he presents an ideal that not all can or will follow, acknowledging that celibacy is a gift, or calling, not universally granted or chosen.

Theological Insights

This verse has led to varying theological insights:

Celibacy as a Gift: Some Christian traditions, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, interpret this verse as support for voluntary celibacy among the clergy.

They view it as a special gift given by God to certain individuals who are called to serve the church in a celibate state.

Singlehood and Service: Others understand the passage more broadly to support the idea that singlehood can be a calling for Christians who serve God without the obligations of spousal and familial relationships.
Celibacy as Non-Mandatory: Protestant traditions often view celibacy as a personal calling rather than a requirement for church leadership, stressing that it should be a voluntary choice inspired by one's personal relationship with God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can offer guidance for those considering religious life or ministry, suggesting that it is acceptable to remain unmarried if one feels called to do so. It emphasizes the validity of singlehood and celibacy when done for spiritual purposes.

Additionally, individuals who do not feel the compulsion or desire to marry are given support for living a single life.

The phrase "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it" suggests that there is a conscious and voluntary aspect to the choice of celibacy or marriage.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:7-9: "For I would that all men were even as I myself.

But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."

Isaiah 56:3-5: "Neither let the son of the stranger...speak, saying...eunuchs say, Behold, I am a dry tree...I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."
Revelation 14:4: "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth."

Language Study

Key words in this verse include:

"Eunuchs" (Greek: eunouchoi): Often referring to castrated men, but in this context also symbolizing those voluntarily abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.
"Kingdom of heaven" (Greek: basileia tōn ouranōn): Used frequently in the Gospel of Matthew to refer to the reign or realm of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context, eunuchs also existed in other ancient civilizations such as Persia, Assyria, and China.

The roles and societal perceptions of eunuchs varied in these cultures.

In Hinduism, celibacy is also practiced by certain individuals for religious reasons.

Similar concepts of living a life dedicated to spiritual pursuits can be found in Buddhism, Jainism, and other religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science approaches the concept of eunuchs from an endocrinological and medical perspective, understanding the physical consequences of castration on the human body.

The voluntary celibacy aspect would be seen more as a psychological and sociological phenomenon wherein individual choices are respected as part of human diversity in sexual expression and lifestyle.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians comment on this verse to provide clearer understanding:

William Barclay: Suggests that Jesus is not demanding celibacy but giving an option for those who can accept it because they have been given the ability by God.
**Craig S.

Keener**: Notes that Jesus’ teaching on eunuchs includes those who chose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom, which was highly unusual in that culture that valued offspring.

John Nolland: Discusses that the life of a eunuch could be seen as a symbol of life in the coming age when marriage will be irrelevant – this underlines the voluntary nature of this form of discipleship.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19

What does Matthew 19:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 19:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?