For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb. And there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people. And there are also eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to walk this way, walk it.”
Jesus, responding to the disciples’ remark (Matt 19:10), explains that the path of dedicating oneself to the kingdom of heaven is a grace-given calling, accessible only to those who have received that grace. He clarifies that there are three kinds of “eunuchs”: (1) Eunuchs by birth—people who from the beginning came into this world in such a condition that they are physically or psychologically unsuited for marriage. This may refer to bodily limitations or to those who by nature do not seek marriage. (2) Eunuchs made so by people—those who, for social or political reasons, have been deprived of marriage. This may mean those who have fallen into slavery, those who have been violated, or those compelled to choose celibacy. (3) Eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven—those who have voluntarily renounced marriage, choosing celibacy not in order to flee the world or to despise people, but so that they may devote themselves wholly to the service of God. In the end, Jesus encourages this path, but does not impose it.