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Mat 19:12. Εἰσὶ, κ.τ.λ., there are, etc.) There are three kinds of eunuchs: the first and second of which are treated indirectly, the third directly, in this passage. For the two former are either produced thus by nature, or made thus by the hand of man: to the latter it is given from above, although they may have been endowed with a body capable of marriage. And these (the latter) can receive the saying concerning blessed eunuchism: whereas, of those (the former), it can only be said that they cannot receive the law concerning marriage; although they too may accidentally (per accidens) obtain blessed eunuchism.-ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, by men) by whose art they are castrated, that they may act as chamberlains, singers, etc., or that they may, on some other ground, be prevented from contracting marriage, of which they had been previously capable. For these, also, are included in a perfect enumeration.-εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς, have made themselves eunuchs) which they alone can do, to whom it is given. It is not in man’s power thus to make another an eunuch; see 1Co 7:7.-ἑαυτοὺς, themselves) sc. by a voluntary abstinence from marriage; sometimes having even relinquished a wife for the name of Christ (see Mat 19:29), and adding exercises calculated to preserve chastity, and subdue the fires of nature.-διὰ, κ.τ.λ., for the kingdom of heaven’s sake) Not because they can only be saved by remaining unmarried, but that they may be able to devote themselves more entirely to the contemplation and propagation of Divine Truth; see 1Co 7:32; 1Co 9:12.-χωρείτω, let him receive) A precept not addressed to all, but only to those who are able to receive it. Not even all the Apostles seem to have been able to receive it; see 1Co 9:5.