Matthew 19:12

What does Matthew 19:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:12 means

Jesus elaborated on those who are 'eunuchs,' using the term metaphorically to describe three groups: those born without the capacity for marriage, those who are physically castrated, and those who choose celibacy for the sake of the 'kingdom of heaven.' This latter group intentionally refrains from marriage and sexual relations to dedicate themselves more fully to God's service. He concludes by urging those who are able to understand and practice this teaching to do so, emphasizing that it is a special calling.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For there are men who, from birth, were without sex: and there are some who were made so by men: and there are others who have made themselves so for the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to take it, let him take it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for there are eunuchs who from the mother's womb were so born; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who kept themselves eunuchs because of the reign of the heavens: he who is able to receive <FI> it<Fi> --let him receive.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For there are eunuchs, who were born so from their mothers womb: and there are eunuchs, who were made so by men: and there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for there are eunuchs which have been born thus from [their] mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs of men; and there are eunuchs who have made eunuchs of themselves for the sake of the kingdom of the heavens. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].

Context

Building on His statement in verse 11 that not all can receive the saying, Jesus provides examples of those who forgo marriage. This explanation of different types of 'eunuchs' expands the concept of consecrated singleness, offering context for those who choose a life of devotion to God without the marital bond, concluding the discourse on marriage and celibacy.

v.11But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.

v.12This passage

v.13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5

    Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:15

    But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32

    But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

  • Isaiah 56:3

    Neither let the foreigner, that hath joined himself to Jehovah, speak, saying, Jehovah will surely separate me from his people; neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

  • Isaiah 39:7

    And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, whom thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

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