Eunuch

Meaning: literally bed-keeper or chamberlain

not necessarily in all cases one who was mutilated [castrated], although the practice of employing such mutilated persons in Oriental courts was common (2 Kings 9:32; Esther 2:3)

The law of Moses excluded them from the congregation (Deut. 23:1).

They were common also among the Greeks and Romans. It is said that even today there are some in Rome who are employed in singing soprano in the Sistine Chapel.

Three classes of eunuchs are mentioned in Matt. 19:12.

ALSO SEE:

• Chamberlain