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G2135 · Greek · New Testament
εὐνοῦχος
eunouchos
Noun, masculine
eunuch, court official

Definition

A eunuch — either a castrated male or a court official (the terms overlapped in antiquity). The Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8 is the New Testament's most famous example: a powerful court official who, despite being excluded from the temple assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1), found full inclusion in Christ through Philip's preaching.

Usage & Theological Significance

The eunouchos of Acts 8 is a gospel revolution in one story. Under the old covenant, eunuchs were excluded from the assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1). Isaiah prophesied their inclusion (Isaiah 56:3-5). In Acts 8, it happens: the Ethiopian eunuch — Gentile, sexually other, geographically remote — is baptized and goes on his way rejoicing. Every barrier falls before the gospel. The eunuch's story declares that in Christ, no one is excluded.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 8:27 On his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch [eunouchos], an important official in charge of all the treasury.
Acts 8:34 The eunuch [eunouchos] asked Philip, 'Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about?'
Acts 8:38 Both Philip and the eunuch [eunouchos] went down into the water.
Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs [eunouchos] who were born that way.
Isaiah 56:4 To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths... I will give a name better than sons and daughters.

Related Words

External Resources

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