Eunuchs in the Bible were castrated males. Those who couldn’t reproduce because of a birth defect may also be called eunuchs. In Game of Thrones, eunuchs are represented by Varys. They’re an unsullied army. Their purpose in the series was to be used as elite soldiers of the royal courts because they didn’t have personal motivation. In the Bible, however, eunuchs are quite different.
What are the Three Types of Eunuchs in the Bible?
Jesus mentions of eunuchs of men in the context of whether it’s good to marry.
“There are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Matthew 19:12.
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There are three types of eunuchs in the Bible. The natural castrated men, who were born that way. Then, there are forced eunuchs, who were made by others. These are the eunuchs in GOT. Lastly, there are voluntary eunuchs who choose to be one.
Natural eunuchs are born with a physical defect. But those who don’t desire marriage or sex are also categorized as natural eunuchs. Some gays argue that Jesus was referring to homosexuals. It’s important to note that homosexual and eunuchs were not used interchangeably in the Bible. Eunuchs were not referred to as being sin. However, homosexuality is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments.
What are Eunuchs Today?
The concept hasn’t disappeared today. Even though the practice of castration is now obsolete, the term eunuch is still very much alive. It can refer to a medical or cultural thing. The practice of castration was common in China, Persia, the Byzantine Empire, and parts of the Middle East. Just like the eunuchs in Game of Thrones, eunuchs in these countries served as guards of royal women.
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In the modern medical context, the term eunuchs is rarely used. However, it can still apply in certain cases. Some people become eunuchs because of medical necessity, like treatment for testicular cancer or severe trauma. Castration may also be done today to treat hormonal disorders that affect the sexual development of a person. It can also be used to affirm the gender of transgender persons.
Medical ethics prohibit non-consensual castration because these procedures are regulated. But with the presence of hormone replacement therapy, castration is, most of the time, not necessary.
Hijra as Eunuchs
The Hijra community in South Asia is one of the most popular modern groups that practice castration. This community is recognized in some countries as a third gender. Some of them undergo ritual castration as part of their initiation. The ritual is deeply spiritual, instead of purely biological.
Gender Identity Today
Today, this term is used controversially to describe a person who identifies as neither male nor female. Some individuals now identify as eunuchs to define their gender. They are not transgender or non-binary. Unfortunately, this topic eunuch in the context of gender is too sensitive and debated today. Thus, I don’t want to get into details.
What was the Purpose of Eunuchs?
The topic of eunuchs started in ancient times. They are castrated males in the ancient world employed in royal households. Because of their physical condition, they were granted unique positions in society. The role of eunuchs from the Hebrew Bible to the New Testament is heavily written about. The chief eunuch was sometimes a trusted royal official. He oversees the women and is in charge of them. This castrated chief sometimes acts as a confidential adviser to the royal master.
Why Castrate the Males?
In the Book of Daniel, it’s stated that young men from Judah were taken during the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. The goal was to prepare them for service in the palace of the king of Babylon. Unfortunately, during preparation, the chiefs castrated them. In that way, they could serve in road service without complications of sexual desire or sexual relations. These castrated males were important officials and were confidential advisers of their royal master. They also supervised the charge of the bed-chambers in royal harems.
In Biblical times, classes of eunuchs were employed in two main categories. The first group served political functions. For instance, they acted as harem guards, confidential advisers, and attendants to queens and princesses. Queen Esther’s eunuchs, for instance, were prime examples. They served King Xerxes, and they also protected the queen of the Ehiopians while they carried out their prominent role in the royal household.
Overseeing Women
Since their sexual organs were removed, these castrated males didn’t have sexual desire. Thus, they were capable of overseeing women in the palace as they could prevent sexual relations. But in Game of Thrones, it’s quite different.
The second group of eunuchs were males who underwent such a procedure for spiritual reasons. In the teachings of Jesus, they could choose to live as unmarried men to dedicate their lives to God. One of the examples in the New Testament is the Ethiopian eunuch baptized by the apostle Philip. This man, who served the queen of Ethiopia, was reading from the Book of Isaiah while traveling. When Philip approached him, he received the good news of Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that even though they no longer have sexual organs, eunuchs could still embrace the Christian faith and receive the Holy Spirit. In that case, they could still hold a prominent role.
Do Eunuchs Have Sexual Desire?
There’s no simple answer to it. Perhaps, the answer will depend on the type of eunuch. From the biological perspective, the removal of sexual organs would mean a reduction in sexual desire. Remember that the hormone testosterone is responsible for sexual desire. It’s produced in the testes. When a man is castrated, the said hormone drops dramatically. It leads to a reduction or complete absence of sexual desire.
Because of their lack of sexual desire, they were put in royal duties. However, some of these eunuchs would still experience some sexual desire. This is especially true if the removal of the organ happened later in life.
Generally, though, castrated men experience little to no sexual desire because of hormonal changes. Now, you may ask, is the penis left intact or just the testicles?
Castration is the removal of the testes. In that case, the penis is left intact. But it’s important to note that without the testicles, even though you have the penis, you still won’t have sexual desire or libido. There’s also no sperm production. The reason for this is that the testicles produce testosterone that drives libido. In that case, in Game of Thrones, Grey Worm still had his penis intact. He did develop sexual desire. But only with Missandei. However, it’s important to note that it’s a show. It’s fictionalized. True castrated men don’t have sexual desire because their testosterone level is down.
Who was the Most Famous Eunuch in the Bible?
The most famous eunuch in the New Testament was the Ethiopian Eunuch. He was a royal official and vowed to serve the queen of the Ethiopians. The Book of Esther also mentions Queen Esther’s eunuchs, and the chief eunuch in King Xerxes’ palace were vital official. These eunuchs supervised the royal harem. They were unarmed, but they could still fight and unfold God’s plan for the people of Israel.
In the Old Testament, Daniel’s companions were said to be eunuchs. They were young men taken to Babylon to serve the palace of the king. In the Book of Isaiah, the prophet mentions eunuchs.
If you’re like me, you might also ask whether or not Jesus Christ was castrated. After all, He didn’t have kids and lovers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a passage that talks about it. There is no biblical evidence that states He was castrated. He did participate in some married life events, like interacting with women or attending weddings. He also had male sexual organs consider that he was fully human and fully divine.
Celibacy of Eunuchs
Eunuchs were castrated males, as mentioned earlier. In that case, they were celibate. But their celibacy was forced because of physical conditions. It wasn’t a personal choice for them. Because they couldn’t get married, as they couldn’t participate in married life, they were considered safe guardians for very important people.
On the other hand, the celibacy of Jesus Christ was purely human. But it wasn’t altered. His celibacy was voluntary and spiritual. He didn’t marry because he wanted to focus on His mission. His celibacy wasn’t because he lacked sexual organs. Rather, it was because of discipline and devotion. Keep in mind that celibacy is a spiritual path. The goal is to serve God without distraction. Celibacy allows Christ to devote his time fully to daily prayer, ministry, and teaching.
Castration without Consent
This is illegal, even before. Consent does matter because every human is created in the image of God. If you take away someone’s bodily function without their consent, then it’s considered violence. And violence in the Bible is condemned.
Were Eunuchs Considered Unclean?
The question depends on the context. The Bible doesn’t label them as impure. However, it does address them in the Old Testament law. In the Hebrew Bible, when you’re unclean, it can mean ritual impurity. It’s a condition that permanently bars a person from participating in sacrifices or God’s assembly.
Deuteronomy 23:1:
“No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the Lord.”
The assembly here refers to the participation of Israelites in worship. Eunuchs weren’t allowed to participate. It might not be a moral judgment. Rather, it might be about cultural views of sexual completeness. Even though eunuchs weren’t considered sinful, they were not allowed to participate in ritual worship. However, the Bible demo stated that eunuchs who are faithful to God will be rewarded:
“Let the eunuch who keeps my Sabbaths… and chooses what pleases me, hold fast, my covenant… I will give them an everlasting name.” Isaiah 56:3-5
This emphasizes inclusion and divine blessing.
Are Eunuchs the Same as a Castrated Male Today?
The word eunuch was broader in the Biblical sense. A eunuch could mean that his testicles were removed, he’s sexually inactive, or he’s a royal official. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he underwent a surgical operation to stop him from having kids. These castrated males are somehow similar to castrated males today.
However, it’s important to note here that eunuch is sometimes a job title and not a medical description. Potiphar, for instance, in Genesis 39, is called a eunuch, but he was married. Royal officials in Kings are also eunuchs, but the Bible didn’t mention of castration. In that case, eunuch can mean court official, trusted servant, or a person removed from family life.
Today, however, when you talk about eunuch (not in Game of Thrones), we mean medical or surgical castration.
The Bible focuses on the faithfulness and self-control of the eunuchs.
Are Monks and Priests Castrated?
Celibacy and castration are two different things. Thus, even though monks and priests are celibate, they’re not castrated. Celibacy means choosing not to marry or have sexual relations. Castration, on the other hand, is a physical removal of sexual organs, particularly testicles.
Monks and priests practice celibacy. They didn’t undergo a surgical operation to remove their testicles. In that case, they still have normal hormones and sexual desire. When Jesus states that some people make them eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was referring to a voluntary spiritual discipline. In other words, monks and priests practice self-restraint to serve God, and not surgery.
When Jesus talks about eunuchs, he isn’t endorsing castration. He only affirms that if you don’t marry or reproduce, you’re not excluded from God’s purpose.
Church councils do not allow their clergy to undergo castration. This stance is the same as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestant Christianity. Remember that the body is created good. Thus, it must not be removed or damaged just to achieve holiness. God accepts you for who you are.
What Monks and Priests Practice?
They take their vows, including poverty, obedience, and celibacy. These vows require discipline, focus, and devotion. Celibacy is a way for them to serve God without family obligations. They want to dedicate their lives to God. It’s a calling and not a command.
Since their sexual organs are intact, monks and priests may still have sexual desire. They are fully human. Despite that, they can fulfill their duties through self-control and channeling their desire wisely. It’s the reason celibacy is a gift or calling. Not all people can practice it.
The Modern Eunuchs
Indeed, there are more castrated men today than at any other point in the Bible. However, these men choose to be eunuchs because of medical reasons. These are people who suffer from prostate cancer. Testosterone is said to be the main contributing factor to the spread and growth of cancerous tumors in the prostate. Thus, to stop the spread, doctors may recommend removing the primary source of such hormone.
However, there are also men who choose to be castrated for the side effects, like losing body hair or becoming sterile. Other males undergo castration because of abuse they have sustained during childhood, or they’re homosexuals. Some do undergo this operation because of their out-of-control sexual desire.
Thankfully, voluntary eunuchs have positive results. They still function well both psychologically and socially.
The Complexity of Eunuchs
Eunuchs in the Bible are more complex than a castrated male. In the ancient world, physical castration already existed. It’s in Scripture. But the Bible uses eunuch in various ways. Understanding its broader meaning is vital to clear up some confusion.
In the Bible, a eunuch could be a royal official or a trusted servant. He could also be an unmarried man who devotes his life to service. But some eunuchs in Biblical times were castrated. Under Old Testament laws, those who were physically castrated were not allowed to participate in Israel’s worship community.
The prophets looked ahead to something greater. Jesus speaks of different kinds of eunuchs. But he didn’t state anything about surgical castration. The story of eunuchs in Acts shows that in Christ, those barriers are now removed. Christ emphasizes that no matter what your physical condition is, you still belong to God. You are still welcome to the Kingdom of Heaven as long as you believe in Christ.
The Bible also does not show castration as a spiritual ideal. It affirms self-control, devotion, and faithfulness. The body is created good. The holiness is understood not as bodily harm. Eunuchs in the Bible stand as a symbol. People are welcome into God’s love and kingdom. This is a lesson and a reminder that God doesn’t care what you are. Instead, what matters most to Him is your relationship with God.
Jane is a Roman Catholic on a journey of re-learning about God and deepening her understanding of the Bible. She has over a decade of experience as a copywriter. Her goal is to blend her passion for writing with her spiritual journey. She writes content that doesn’t just uplift but also connects with people who wish to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word. Follow Jane on LinkedIn or Instagram.
