There is a myth making the rounds in some circles, that those people identified as eunuchs in scriptures were homosexuals. This is a totally ridiculous idea and nothing could be further from truth. It is indeed astounding that any learned person could come to such a conclusion. Of course when you have people determined to base interpretations on the social climate of the day, or the imaginations of men's hearts, it is quite understandable. Because it is then easy for one to formulate and then read any belief they want "into" the scriptures. It is obviously a teaching which is not in scripture, and any Theologian worth his salt can come to no other conclusion.

The word eunuch in the old testament is [caric](pronounced saw-reece') meaning to be castrated. Kings and rulers would often use castrated men or eunuchs as people charged with the management and care of women's chambers (for obvious reasons). Since it would be impossible for them to have relations with the women under their care, they were the ideal guards. For this reason the word [caric] is also translated chamberlain in scripture. It illustrates those given charge of the bed chambers of women. For example:

Ester 2:3

• "And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:"

These eunuchs or chamberlains were trusted and charged with keeping the virgins, concubines, or women for the King.

Ester 2:14

• "In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name".

Those words translated chamberlain is the exact same word [caric] that is also translated eunuch. Eunuchs were generally given much authority over women's quarters and the management of these chambers. And nothing in scripture gives even the slightest suggestion or hint that this word alludes to a homosexual. These are the fables of men, and wishful thinking by those with an agenda.

In the new testament the Greek word Eunuch is [eunouchizo] meaning literally to "hold bed". It illustrates a single, celibate, or castrated person. It's taken from the root Greek words [enue] meaning bed, and the verb tense [echo], meaning to hold. By extension a chamberlain or holder of the women's bed chambers. Basically the same thing as the old testament word illustrated. So the word "eunuch" both in old testament and in the new testaments, in it's narrowest technical sense, means an emasculated man or chamberlain. This is also illustrated in the Ethiopian eunuch which had charge of the Queen's Chamber.

Acts 8:27

• "And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,"

For a man to hold such authority in matters under the queen, he was a eunuch or a castrated man, illustrating he was no threat to lie with the queen or her female servants. This was the normal operation of one who was in position to deal with the women.

As we've seen, the word illustrates a castrated person, but it is self evident that God uses the word in the New testament in a wider application to not only identify anyone who cannot have sexual union with a woman, but also anyone who for conscience sake will not enter into sexual union with a woman. In other words, Jesus uses it to include those abstaining from lawful sexual union. Such as those who choose to remain single or celibate.

However, there is not a single phrase anywhere about homosexual activity or lifestyle relating to eunuchs. God having already condemned this practice many times, it would be contradictory to call homosexuals (if they were eunuchs) Christians. And so these arguments by some that these eunuchs are homosexuals is untenable and without any biblical foundation. Take the example of what Jesus says in Matthew chapter 19:

Matthew 19:12

• "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."

Jesus says there will be no sexual union for many reasons, and He lists some of them. He says some people will not have sexual union at all as they are born without the ability to be in union with a woman (as from birth defects or being sexually impotent). In other words, because of physical circumstances.

Others will never have sexual union because man has taken upon himself to make him that way. Either by castration by design to be chamberlains, or as slaves were, by cruelty, or in our day perhaps for medical reasons.

Others will never have sexual union for the Kingdom of God's sake. In other words, like Paul (Who wished that all were as he, Unmarried - 1st Cor 7:7). Those who remain unmarried for the Kingdom of God's sake do so by design to place all the emphasis on Christ, and not caring for a wife. So we have all sorts of reasons why one would have no sexual union. God never intended that all would get married, therefore, it is not a failure or a cause for despair that one remains unmarried, it very well may be a special calling of God or something which is for the best.

And so yes, Jesus says in matthew, it's not for everyone to have sexual union in marriage and receive his command not to divorce, but to he who can receive this, let them receive it. He who will never marry cannot receive this Jesus says, but to he who does marry it is "till death do them part". Therefore, to them, these words of Christ about divorce and two flesh being one, apply.

Those who attempt to have this word eunuch mean homosexuality, actually have Jesus saying here that some were born "homosexuals" for the kingdom of God's sake. That is a ludicrous and quite blasphemous statement for man to make. And just another example of the rationalizations of man, and proof that these eunuchs cannot be homosexuals.

So the question now becomes, how is it that so many today think that these verses which speak of eunuchs are talking about homosexuality? The answer is the "political correctness" which is sweeping the world. It's the way of the world today which turns everything upside down, esteeming bad as good, and good as bad. That makes quoted scripture evil legalism and un-compassionate, but smooth words of nullification as good christian compassion. That makes those who witness to truth the bad guys, and those who say "ye are all saved and ye shall have peace" loving and Christlike. Sadly, sloppy exegesis mixed with carnal or humanistic thinking has also brought these abominable ideas right into some churches. Many today just don't care what the Word of God says, they just want to be called Christian and live in peace with the world. They just are too deceived to understand that peace with the world, is enmity with God.

Isaiah 4:1

• "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach".

To be called Christian, and yet not put on His apparel, is not to be Christian at all. It's to not have your reproach taken away, though you be called by His name all the day long! And in our day, many are called by his name, but refuse to put on the robe of the righteousness of Christ. They want their own apparel. It is for this reason abominations like (supposed) compassion for Homosexuals has come up into our Churches, and that ideas like "eunuchs must be homosexuals" have have found place there. But there is no Biblical warrant for, and ample warrant against such conclusions.

May the Lord be most Gracious to keep us rooted firmly in Him, to endure till the end in the hour of great trial and tribulation.

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