King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:12 Mean?

Matthew 19:12 in the King James Version says “For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eun... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 19:12 · KJV


Context

10

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

11

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

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.

13

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
εἰσὶν1 of 32

there are

G1526

they are

γὰρ2 of 32

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εὐνοῦχοι3 of 32

eunuchs

G2135

a castrated person (such being employed in middle eastern bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (sta

οἵτινες4 of 32

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐκ5 of 32

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

κοιλίας6 of 32

womb

G2836

a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart

μητρὸς7 of 32

their mother's

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

ἐγεννήθησαν8 of 32

born

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

οὕτως9 of 32

were so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ10 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσὶν11 of 32

there are

G1526

they are

εὐνοῦχοι12 of 32

eunuchs

G2135

a castrated person (such being employed in middle eastern bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (sta

οἵτινες13 of 32

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

εὐνούχισαν14 of 32

eunuchs

G2134

to castrate (figuratively, live unmarried)

ὑπὸ15 of 32

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν16 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπων17 of 32

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ18 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσὶν19 of 32

there are

G1526

they are

εὐνοῦχοι20 of 32

eunuchs

G2135

a castrated person (such being employed in middle eastern bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (sta

οἵτινες21 of 32

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

εὐνούχισαν22 of 32

eunuchs

G2134

to castrate (figuratively, live unmarried)

ἑαυτοὺς23 of 32

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

διὰ24 of 32

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν25 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν26 of 32

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν27 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν28 of 32

of heaven's sake

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

29 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δυνάμενος30 of 32

He that is able

G1410

to be able or possible

χωρείτω31 of 32

it let him receive

G5562

to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)

χωρείτω32 of 32

it let him receive

G5562

to be in (give) space, i.e., (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 19:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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