A eunuch in the Bible refers to a man who has been castrated or made impotent. The term “eunuch” comes from the Greek word “eunouchos” which means “bed guardian.” Eunuchs are mentioned several times in the Old and New Testaments and served in a variety of roles.
In the ancient world, castration was sometimes used to produce servants that could be trusted to guard harems and watch over royal women without temptation. Thus, many eunuchs worked as servants in royal palaces (2 Kings 9:32, Esther 1:10). The Book of Esther mentions Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem of King Xerxes of Persia (Esther 2:3, 2:14-15). Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian eunuch also served in the court of King Zedekiah of Judah (Jeremiah 38:7-13).
Eunuchs could rise to become trusted advisors to kings. One example is Ebed-Melech, who courageously rescued the prophet Jeremiah from a cistern when he was imprisoned (Jeremiah 39:15-18). In the Book of Daniel, Daniel and his friends were made eunuchs before being placed in service in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Daniel 1:3-7).
Some eunuchs also attained high-ranking religious positions. In 2 Kings 23:11, King Josiah of Judah removed the horses and vessels dedicated by previous kings to the sun from the entrance of the temple of the Lord. He burned the chariots of the sun with fire and reassigned their duties to the eunuchs who supervised the temple. Isaiah 56:4-5 praises eunuchs who choose to follow the Lord.
Eunuchs are mentioned in several stories in the Book of Acts. An Ethiopian eunuch served as a high court official under Queen Candace of Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-27). He is said to be the first Gentile convert to Christianity. Later, the evangelist Philip stayed in the house of a eunuch who was an official of the queen of the Ethiopians (Acts 21:8-9).
In Matthew 19:12, Jesus discusses eunuchs who were “born that way from their mother’s womb”, “were made that way by men” (castrated) and those who choose to live like eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He indicates some people are celibate from birth, others are castrated, and some choose to be celibate. His disciples conclude few can accept this teaching.
Based on this, the early church understood eunuchs who “made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake” (Matthew 19:12) as those who chose to lead a celibate life, dedicating themselves fully to God without the distraction of family or marital responsibilities (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). Examples include John the Baptist, Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy.
The Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion shows that the Old Testament restrictions on eunuchs entering the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1) are lifted under the New Covenant. Philip baptized the eunuch, indicating eunuchs were now granted full membership in the community of believers.
In summary, eunuchs in the Bible held trusted positions in royal courts and served in various official capacities, from religious leaders to government officials. While eunuchs faced some restrictions under the Old Covenant, Jesus and the early church welcomed believing eunuchs, affirming their equal status before God.
Key Bible Passages on Eunuchs:
2 Kings 9:32 – Eunuchs are mentioned as servants of King Joram in his court in Jezreel.
2 Kings 20:18 – Isaiah prophesies that some of King Hezekiah’s descendants would be taken away and made eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon.
2 Kings 23:11 – King Josiah assigns duties once carried out by pagan priests to the eunuchs who supervised the temple.
2 Kings 25:19 – An important official named Nebuzaradan, in charge of the Babylonian army, is identified as a eunuch.
Esther 1:10,12,15 – King Xerxes consults his seven eunuchs when Queen Vashti defies his command to appear before him.
Esther 2:3-4 – Hegai, the eunuch in charge of Xerxes’ harem, is tasked with selecting and purifying beautiful virgins to be brought before the King.
Esther 4:4 – Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants tell her of Mordecai’s mourning and distress.
Isaiah 39:7 – Isaiah prophesies that some of Hezekiah’s descendants will become eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon.
Jeremiah 29:2 – Eunuchs are included in the list of people remaining in Jerusalem after the exile.
Jeremiah 34:19 – Eunuchs are mentioned as being among the servants of King Zedekiah of Judah.
Jeremiah 38:7-13 – An Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-Melek rescues Jeremiah from the cistern where he was imprisoned.
Jeremiah 39:15-18 – God promises protection to Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian eunuch for saving Jeremiah’s life.
Jeremiah 41:16 – Eunuchs are mentioned among the survivors of the remnant of Jews taken to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 52:25 – Nebuzaradan, an important official in charge of the Babylonian army who took the captives to Babylon, is identified as a eunuch.
Daniel 1:3-7 – Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah are chosen as some of the best young men of Judah and made eunuchs before being placed in the service of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.
Daniel 1:18 – At the end of their three-year training, Nebuchadnezzar finds the four young men “better than all the magicians and enchanters” in his kingdom.
Matthew 19:12 – Jesus acknowledges there are eunuchs who are born that way, eunuchs castrated by men, and those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
Acts 8:26-39 – Philip encounters and baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah that eunuchs would be given access to God’s temple.
Acts 21:8-9 – Philip stays with an Ethiopian eunuch who serves as an official of the queen of the Ethiopians.
References to Eunuchs in Other Bible Passages:
1 Samuel 8:15 – Samuel warns that the king who will reign over Israel will appoint his own officers and some will be eunuchs.
1 Kings 22:9 – Eunuchs are referenced as part of the royal court of the king of Israel.
2 Kings 8:6 – The King of Israel appoints an officer, who is identified as a eunuch, to restore the Shunammite woman’s land.
2 Kings 24:12 – King Jehoiachin of Judah surrenders to King Nebuchadnezzar’s officers, including the eunuch Nebuzaradan.
2 Kings 24:15 – Nebuzaradan takes King Jehoiachin, his family and officers as captives to Babylon. The officers included eunuchs.
1 Chronicles 28:1 – Eunuchs are listed alongside the officials and mighty warriors of David’s court.
2 Chronicles 18:8 – Eunuchs are again seen as part of the royal court of the king of Israel.
Esther 1:15 – Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey King Xerxes angers the king and his eunuchs.
Esther 2:21 – Two of the king’s eunuchs plot to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai learns of it and reports it to Esther, and the eunuchs are hanged.
Esther 4:4-5 – Esther’s eunuch Hathach brings news to her and carries messages back and forth between her and Mordecai.
Esther 6:2,14 – Some of Xerxes’ eunuchs remind him of how Mordecai had saved his life, leading to Mordecai’s honor.
Esther 7:9 – One of the eunuchs suggests Haman be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
Isaiah 56:3 – The prophet Isaiah encourages eunuchs who keep God’s Sabbaths and hold fast to His covenant.
Jeremiah 34:19 – Eunuchs are mentioned as part of the households of King Zedekiah’s officials in Jerusalem.
Daniel 1:11-16 – Daniel asks the chief official for a test to avoid defiling himself with the royal food and wine. After 10 days, he and his friends appear healthier than all the young men who ate the royal food.
Matthew 18:2 – Jesus calls a little child to Him and says “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Acts 8:27 – The Ethiopian eunuch met by Philip is described as being an important official in charge of the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.
Romans 16:1-2 – Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess and patron of many believers, who he says has been a benefactor of many people, including him.
1 Corinthians 7:25 – Regarding virgins, Paul says he has no command from the Lord, but gives his own judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
Galatians 3:28 – Paul writes there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ Jesus.
Key Themes and Lessons on Eunuchs in the Bible:
1. Eunuchs served in trusted positions in royal courts as servants, officials, and military leaders. Castration ensured loyalty and removed potential conflicts of interest.
2. Eunuchs could rise to high ranks based on ability and the king’s trust in them. Daniel and his friends demonstrate how eunuchs could surpass others in wisdom and discernment.
3. Eunuchs had important duties in relation to royal women. Protecting the queen’s quarters required utmost loyalty and lack of sexual interest.
4. The Bible presents eunuchs in a matter-of-fact way, without scorn. Esther and Daniel show eunuchs could be godly heroes of the faith.
5. Isaiah prophesies God’s future blessing upon faithful eunuchs for their service despite restrictions under the Old Covenant.
6. Philip’s encounter demonstrates that equal access to God’s promises is opened to eunuchs under the New Covenant.
7. Jesus affirms there are some who are celibate from birth, by castration, and by choice. All who follow Christ faithfully have equal status.
8. The early church welcomed those who committed to celibacy for undivided service to God. Their examples encouraged the devotion of later monks and nuns.
9. God sees beyond physical traits to the heart and character. Castration could not prevent Daniel, Esther and others from becoming heroes of faith.
10. The Bible ultimately shows that human distinctions mean nothing compared to a life consecrated to God. Faithfulness to Christ allows all to overcome earthly restrictions.
