Brief Overview of εὐνουχίζω (Strong’s G2134: eunouchízō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it helps reveal the deeper meanings and contexts within the Scriptures, enhancing our interpretation and understanding of the text. The Greek word εὐνουχίζω (eunouchízō) is particularly significant as it relates to a cultural and social practice in the ancient world that had important implications for status, roles, and identity. This word appears in the New Testament, reflecting themes of sacrifice, dedication, and the challenges of understanding certain concepts in early Christian teachings and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐνουχίζω (eunouchízō) [yoo-noo-KHEE-zoh]
• Etymology: Derived from εὐνοῦχος (eunoûchos), meaning “eunuch,” which itself comes from εὐνή (eunē, “bed”) and ἔχω (echō, “to hold” or “to keep”). The verb form εὐνουχίζω means “to make a eunuch” or “to castrate.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; present active indicative.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To make a eunuch
• To castrate
• To remove the ability to reproduce

Similar Words: The word εὐνουχίζω is related to κεντεύω (kenteúō), meaning “to cut” or “to pierce,” which has a more general connotation of cutting or piercing without the specific implication of castration. Another related word is κατατέμνω (katatémnō), which means “to cut down” or “to mutilate,” a more violent and broader term than εὐνουχίζω, which is specific to making someone a eunuch.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐνουχίζω is a verb that follows standard Greek conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ίζω. It is primarily used in its active voice form, indicating the act of making someone a eunuch or rendering them unable to reproduce.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐνουχίζω as “to make a eunuch” or “to castrate,” emphasizing its literal meaning of rendering someone incapable of reproduction. It highlights the term’s use in the New Testament to describe physical emasculation as well as metaphorical meanings related to devotion and sacrifice.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes εὐνουχίζω as “to emasculate” or “to castrate,” pointing out its application in both literal and figurative senses. Thayer’s notes its New Testament use to denote self-sacrifice for spiritual purposes, as seen in Matthew 19:12.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary explains εὐνουχίζω as “to make a eunuch” or “to deprive of virility.” It draws attention to its metaphorical usage in the context of Christian commitment, where it symbolizes a deliberate choice to abstain from marital relations for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a classical perspective on εὐνουχίζω, defining it primarily as “to castrate.” It notes that in classical literature, the term was often used in contexts involving servitude, palace life, or roles where eunuchs were common, particularly in Eastern courts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐνουχίζω as meaning “to castrate” or “to emasculate.” It emphasizes the literal and figurative meanings of the word, especially its metaphorical use in expressing total dedication or sacrifice.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 19:12: “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs (εὐνούχισαν) for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐνουχίζω (G2134: eunouchízō)

The Greek word εὐνουχίζω (eunouchízō) is a verb that means “to make a eunuch” or “to castrate.” It is derived from εὐνοῦχος (eunoûchos), emphasizing the action of rendering someone unable to reproduce, either physically or metaphorically. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into εὐνουχίζω, highlighting its literal and figurative uses. In both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, εὐνουχίζω is used to describe both physical castration and the concept of self-sacrifice or dedication for a higher cause, reflecting cultural values related to service, loyalty, and spiritual devotion.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in ancient cultures, eunuchs were often considered trustworthy and loyal servants, especially in royal courts? They were sometimes entrusted with sensitive positions because their inability to have families was thought to remove personal ambition, making them more reliable to their masters!