the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Eunuch
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or The Lord distinguished three classes of eunuchs: those that were thus born; those emasculated by men; and those who had made themselves such for the kingdom of heaven's sake. Matthew 19:12 . It is the second class that are otherwise mentioned in scripture. They often became men of influence in the eastern courts, and had care of the harems; and where there were several there was one called their 'prince.' Jeremiah 29:2; Daniel 1:3-18; Acts 8:27 . Ebed-melech who befriended Jeremiah was a eunuch in the house of Zedekiah. Jeremiah 38:7-13 . And they were eunuchs who threw Jezebel out of the lattice. 2 Kings 9:32 . This shows that Israel had followed the custom of the East in employing such persons.
One of the things prophesied against Israel was that their sons should be made eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. 2 Kings 20:18; Isaiah 39:7 . The case of Daniel and his companions was an instance of the fulfilment of this, for they were committed to the care of 'the master of the eunuchs.' Though the word saris signifies 'eunuch' it is often in the A.V. translated 'chamberlain' and 'officer' because the eunuchs were employed in such positions of trust. The man of Ethiopia baptised by Philip was a eunuch of great authority under the queen. Acts 8:27 .
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Morrish, George. Entry for 'Eunuch'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/e/eunuch.html. 1897.
