At theology school, I was keen on understanding different Christian Doctrines. I was particularly drawn to the Christian doctrine of heaven. One day, I was intrigued by Eunuchs and their roles in the Bible. I began to research whether Eunuchs went to heaven. During my research, I visited the nearest Catholic Church and spoke with priests and other senior church leaders, even as I spent time poring through tens of texts that mentioned Eunuchs and heaven. Last week, one of my college theology students asked for an explanation for who the eunuchs were and if they went to heaven since they were infertile and asexual. The students had divided opinions about the eunuchs, with some thinking they were not worth going to heaven. Based on my years of research and the scripture teachings, I was able to answer their questions comprehensively. So, can eunuchs go to heaven?
Yes, eunuchs go to heaven. According to the scripture in Matthew 19:12, whether the eunuchs choose the lifestyle, are forced into it, or are born that way, they have made that decision for the sake of God’s kingdom. Their disabilities don’t matter, but the most important thing is accepting God, doing good deeds, and fearing the Lord – Acts 10:34-35.
In this article, I’ll talk more about the lives of Eunuchs in the Old and New Testaments, what Jesus thought of eunuchs, whether eunuchs go to heaven, and also some bible teachings about eunuchs. Let’s get right into it!
What does God say about eunuchs?
There are different bible mentions of eunuchs, but most of them point to the fact that eunuchs are males who’ve been castrated, either forcefully or voluntarily. Eunuchs could also be males born without the ability to reproduce because they are naturally defective. There also are eunuchs who don’t have any sexual disabilities but still choose to lead a eunuch lifestyle. By choosing to be castrated intentionally, they removed their sexuality and became impotent. Notably, this was common practice in ancient times, where advisers and servants were castrated to be pacified and subdued. It was also common for the men attending to the royal harems to become eunuchs, as mentioned in the book of Esther 4:4.
Jesus also spoke about eunuchs in Matthew 19:10-12 where he mentions the three types of eunuchs and how regardless of how they became eunuchs, the decision brings them closer to the kingdom of heaven. By choosing this lifestyle, the eunuchs are opting to do what they believe will ensure that they inherit the Kingdom of God. There also are unmarried eunuchs who choose to voluntarily serve God, despite being sexually capable and choosing to lead a celibate life instead, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 7:7-9.
In other words, the Bible’s New Testament teachings tell believers that they do not have to be married to go to heaven. Isaiah 56:3-5 also notes that the eunuchs that choose to keep the Lord’s Sabbath and please the Lord while obeying the Lord’s covenants will live forever in heaven, and their names would endure forever.
What happened to eunuchs in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, the eunuchs were castrated males or males born unable to reproduce because of birth deficiencies. The castrated males were made that way to eliminate their sexuality, make them infertile, and make them more compliant as servants or advisers. As a result, eunuchs served kings and queens, with Esther being the most prominent queen served by several eunuchs. They were also expected to lead a righteous life and to remain faithful to God.
What was the punishment for the eunuch?
The individuals who were made eunuchs forcefully would be castrated painfully as a way of subduing them and making them bow to the will of their masters and leaders. Ultimately, it was believed to be a way for them to enter the Kingdom of God.
According to Jewish teachings, eunuchs received punishments in the form of beatings and an infinite number of stripes for not following commandments. The first time, they received 39 stripes; the second time, their punishments featured an infinite number of stripes.
Did Jesus advocate for castration for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven?
No, he did not. Although the life led by Jesus was essentially similar to that of a eunuch, and He mentioned that there existed three kinds of eunuchs who had chosen that lifestyle for the sake of entering the Kingdom of God, castration is not necessary for an individual to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus mentioned that some eunuchs were born that way and others were made eunuchs forcefully or voluntarily. However, regardless of how it happened, they’d still enter the Kingdom of God if they obeyed the commandments.
Luke 2:21 and 1 Corinthians 11:1 note that circumcision wasn’t necessary for individuals to enter the Kingdom of God.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
