Where are the Eunuchs?
Virility is to men as fertility is to women.
During the process of creating life, God created two different types of species: males and females. Even though individuals may think our humanity is evolving into innumerable behaviors based on the titles that they give themselves. Nevertheless, the Scriptures unfold a unique variation in gender that is often overlooked when reading the Bible. For instance, the Scriptures record a specific meeting between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch to signify the inclusiveness of all humanity in God’s plan. To fully comprehend this meaningful event, one must have a thorough understanding of the term Eunuch. The standard definition for a Eunuch is a male who is castrated, yet when you analyze this Ethiopian Eunuch, such an attribute is unacceptable for the following reasons. This Eunuch traveled to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh (GOD), and Scripture prohibited any person castrated from joining the congregation of God (Deuteronomy 23:1-2). Although circumcision was required to enter God’s temple, this Eunuch entered and worshipped God in the Temple. Afterward, he returned home in his chariot while reading the book of Isaiah. Therefore, the Eunuch's actions alone indicate his devotion to God as a devout circumcised individual.
Isaiah 56:4-5 NKJV
4 For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, 5 Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off.
Since the first two definitions in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Eunuch references the mutilating of the man’s genitals, the preferable definition for Scriptural sake is the third definition which states one that lacks virility. Throughout Scripture, Eunuchs are assigned to the female chamberlain in the palace, or they function in the royal court in a critical role for the king. These individuals demonstrate loyalty and dedication in their services.
15 When the turn came for Esther … to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. Esther 2:15
7 Now Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon….Then the king commanded Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take from here thirty men with you, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon before he dies.” Jeremiah 38:7-10
Just as fertility is to the female, virility is to the male. Because both fertility and virility refer to the ability to produce offspring, and if one is lacking either the natural tendency is to make a negative assessment. Yet, the Savior’s view of a man lacking virility is positive, as noted in 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.
The Savior emphasized that all individuals cannot receive this tendency, but the ones who are Eunuchs for the Kingdom’s sake can receive it. In other words, if you desire to remain unmarried and have no urge to exercise your masculinity to produce offspring, receive your calling of loyalty and dedication to the Kingdom of heaven. As a Eunuch, one should avoid listening to the opinions of the majority that negatively evaluate the Eunuch’s lack of virility. Remember, everyone cannot accept such a calling given to Eunuchs. Therefore, men who lack virility have a higher calling to serve the Kingdom uniquely than the norm. Like the Ethiopian Eunuch, these individuals should embrace their calling to serve God's kingdom.