Does Isaiah 56:4-5 speak of born eunuchs and/or gay people?

by Rene
(Switzerland)

Rick Brentlinger Answers -

What an intriguing question! My answer is Yes, because I understand Isaiah 56:4-5 to be referring to all three classes of eunuchs Jesus listed in Matthew 19:12.

"For there are (1) some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are (2) some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be (3) eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." -Matthew 19:12

Jesus lists three kinds of eunuchs:

1. Those so born from their mother's womb, anatomically whole but not inclined toward opposite marriage

2. Those made eunuchs by men via castration so that they are incapable of consummating a marriage

3. Those who make a choice to abstain from marriage (metaphysical eunuchs) so they can serve God without distraction

Here's the context of Isaiah 56:4-5 as I understand it. We have the prophesy of the coming Messiah in Isaiah 52. Jesus is God's "holy arm," Psalm 98:1.

"The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." -Isaiah 52:10

In Isaiah 53, we have the prophesy of the crucifixion, where Jesus becomes the Substitute for sinners, suffering in their place, taking upon Himself the wrath of God, for others, not for Himself.

So when we get to Isaiah 56, it speaks prophetically of a time in the future when obedient eunuchs will be given their rightful place in the kingdom of God. This promise does not apply to all eunuchs. It is specifically aimed at eunuchs who obey God. Notice Isaiah 56:4 - the promise is based on obedience to God, i.e., it applies to saved eunuchs.

Because it is an incontrovertible historical fact that gays and lesbians were included in the ancient categories of saris (Hebrew for eunuch) and eunuch, you are absolutely right to believe that saved gays and lesbians are included in the promise of Isaiah 56:4-5.

I have additional information about eunuchs at these Links, including an entire chapter in my book, Gay Christian 101, pp. 223-257.

Is there such a thing as homosexual eunuchs?

Was the Ethiopian eunuch a gay man?

Would it surprise you to discover that eunuchs are gay?

Is there any historical evidence of same sex attracted eunuchs?

Is gay marriage scriptural?

Original Question:

"Dear Rick - I just read the prophecy in Jes 56:4-5 (Isaiah 56:4-5) which leaves me somewhat confused. Does Jesaja include 'eunuchs who were born thus from their mothers womb' (Mt 19:12) or does he in this context exclusively address 'eunuchs made eunuchs by men'? The latter case obviously contradicting Deut 23:1, I tend to believe gays are meant as well and I strongly do hope so, but I am not sure.
May I please have your opinion?

Many thanks and God bless you. -Rene"