Matius 19:12

19:12 For there are some eunuchs who were that way from birth, ¹  and some who were made eunuchs ²  by others, ³  and some who became eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this should accept it.”

Matius 19:14

19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ⁴ 

Matius 19:23

19:23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, ⁵  it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven!

[19:12]  ¹ tn Grk “from the womb of the mother” (an idiom).

[19:12]  ² tn The verb εὐνουχίζω occurs twice in this verse, translated the first time as “made eunuchs” and the second time as “became eunuchs.” The term literally refers to castration. The second occurrence of the word in this verse is most likely figurative, though, referring to those who willingly maintain a life of celibacy for the furtherance of the kingdom (see W. D. Davies and D. C. Allison, Matthew [ICC], 3:23).

[19:12]  ³ tn Grk “people.”

[19:14]  ⁴ sn The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Children are a picture of those whose simple trust illustrates what faith is all about. The remark illustrates how everyone is important to God, even those whom others regard as insignificant.

[19:23]  ⁵ tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”