Matthew 19

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Warandpeace

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“Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so;
some, because they were made so by others;…”

What does this mean?
 
I believe it means that some were/are born without an attraction for the opposite sex (so naturally celibate) - some men were made Eunich’s by force (not by the Church), just a statement of fact in some societies.

blessings,

Brian
 
It was common to castrate men for different reasons. One of which was for them to be trusted with the harem. Here is some more information on Eunuchs probably more than you want to know. I know it was for me.
 
My understanding is that it is referring to those who were born with deformities that could not allow them to consummate the marriage, and therefore could not marry. And others who were eunuchs, who had their parts removed, for the purpose of religion, or consequence of society (crime or overpopulation I believe).

The most I know for sure is that the second part refers to eunuchs.
 
Warandpeace said:
“Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so;
some, because they were made so by others;…”

What does this mean?
Click to expand...
D-R Bible, Haydock Commentary:

Ver. 12. And there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs, &c. It is not to be taken in the literal sense, but of such who have taken a firm and commendable resolution of leading a single life. — He that can receive it, let him receive it. Some think that to receive, in this and the foregoing verse, is to understand; and so will have the sense to be, he that can understand what I have said of different eunuchs, let him understand it; as when Christ said elsewhere, he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But others expound it as an admonition to men and women, not to engage themselves in a vow of living a single life, unless, after a serious deliberation, they have good grounds to think they can duly comply with this vow, otherwise let them not make it. Thus St. Jerome on this place, and St. Chrysostom where they both expressly take notice, that this grace is granted to every one that asketh and beggeth for it by prayer. (Witham) — To the crown and glory of which state, let those aspire who feel themselves called by heaven.
 
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