What does the Bible say about eunuchs?

TL;DR:

Eunuchs are men who have been castrated, are impotent, or have set aside marriage and are celibate. Regardless of the reason why they are eunuchs, God promises blessing for eunuchs—and all people—who follow Him.

what does the bible say?

A eunuch is usually defined as a man who has been castrated. A broader definition includes men who are impotent or who are voluntarily celibate. It was common in Bible times for the rulers of conquering nations to take pre-pubescent boys from among the new subjects and castrate them. The boys would be used for duties close to the king, sometimes important political roles; since eunuchs would be unable to leave a genetic legacy, it was thought they would be more loyal to their monarch. Because of their physical limitations, they were also used for harem guards and body servants of the king. Eunuchs are mentioned in various places in the Bible including the books of 2 Kings, Esther, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Matthew, and Acts.

from the old testament

Eunuchs are mentioned heavily in the story of Esther. Hegai, who was in charge of the harem, helped Esther gain the attention of King Ahasuerus (Esther 2:15). Hathach was Esther's personal servant and the lifeline between her and her cousin Mordecai (Esther 4:5). Bigthana and Teresh were close enough to Ahasuerus to threaten his life (Esther 6:2), and Harbona was quick with a suggestion for the dispatch of Haman (Esther 7:9).
It is possible, although the Bible doesn't specifically say, that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were eunuchs in Nebuchadnezzar's court (Isaiah 39:5–7; Daniel 1:3–7).
A eunuch rescued Jeremiah from the well (Jeremiah 38:1–13).
Nowhere does God condemn or deride a man for being a eunuch. Instead, God promises to bless eunuchs who follow Him. In Isaiah 56:3–5, God says: "Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, 'The LORD will surely separate me from his people'; and let not the eunuch say, 'Behold, I am a dry tree.' For thus says the LORD: 'To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.'"

from the new testament

An Ethiopian eunuch, courtier to Queen Candace, was one of the first Gentiles to follow Christ (Acts 8:26–40).
In Matthew 19, Jesus talks about eunuchs, saying, "for there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it" (Matthew 19:12). Jesus reveals three types of eunuchs here: natural eunuchs (“been so from birth”), forced eunuchs (“made eunuchs by men”), and voluntary eunuchs (“made themselves eunuchs”).
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul elaborates on the voluntary eunuchs, saying that singleness and celibacy are a gift for those who can accept them (1 Corinthians 7:8) especially in times of political danger (1 Corinthians 7:26) or for those who wish to completely dedicate their lives to the Lord with no distraction (1 Corinthians 7:32–35).

implications for today

The good news for eunuchs is the same as it is for every person: those who follow God (give their lives to Him and trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins) will receive blessing. Eunuchs—whether natural, forced, or voluntary—suffer difficulty in this life, as do all people (John 16:33). The forfeiture of fertility, a fulfilling marriage, and children can be deeply felt. However, God promises to provide a legacy for those who are physically unable to do so if they make Him their priority. When Hannah was infertile, her husband Elkanah told her "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8). God says the same to eunuchs of all eras. Eunuch or not, our eternal inheritance is from the Lord, and those who serve Him unencumbered by earthly responsibilities will hold honored places in His kingdom.

understand

By definition, eunuchs are men who are castrated. The Bible refers to eunuchs as either those who are physically so or otherwise physically impotent, whether by choice or not.
Eunuchs were promised blessing in the Bible if they followed God.
Eunuchs are so either naturally, forced, or voluntarily.

reflect

What does God’s promise and valuing of eunuchs reveal about God’s character?
Reflecting on the promises made to eunuchs in the Bible, how does this concept of blessing extend to individuals facing physical or societal limitations today?
In what ways does being a eunuch allow for deeper spiritual devotion to God or to others?

engage

Some LGBTQ groups argue that Jesus was referring to homosexuals when He mentioned eunuchs “who have been so from birth” or “born that way.” However, the Bible never uses the words homosexual and eunuch interchangeably. Eunuchs are never referred to in Scripture as being in sin or being condemned, whereas homosexuality is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments.
How does Jesus’ definition of a eunuch (natural, forced, voluntary) and His promises to them challenge your thinking about masculinity and infertility?
In what ways does the biblical treatment of eunuchs prompt us to reevaluate societal attitudes towards those who are single/unmarried?