Eunugs in die Bybel
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Date
2002
Authors
Retie, F. P.
Riekert, S. J. P. K.
Cilliers, J. F. G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
In Original Bible texts “eunuch” is described as saris (Old Testament, Hebrew) or
eunouchos (New Testament, Greek). However, both words could also mean “official”
or “commander”. The 38 original Bible references to saris and 2 references to eunouchos
were studied in order to determine their meaning in context. In the Septuagint
saris was translated as eunouchos, except for Genesis 37:36 and Isaiah 39:7 where
spadon was used; in Jeremiah 38:7 Ebed-Melek was described as “he who lived in the
king’s house”; in Daniel 1 there is reference to archi-eunouchos and archon satrapon. In
the Vulgate saris was translated as eunuchus, except for Esther 2:3 where minister is
used, and the terms praepositus eunuchorum and praefectus magistratuum in Daniel 1:3-
18 and Daniel 2:48 respectively. In Deuteronomy 23:1 the act of human castration
is condemned, without using the word saris, while Leviticus 22:24 refers to animal
castration by crushing (Hebrew word katut) of the testes.
Description
Keywords
Eunuch, Translation, Sexuality
Citation
Retief, F. P., Riekert, S. J. P. K., & Cilliers, J. F. G. (2002). Eunugs in die Bybel. Acta Theologica, 22(2), 114-125.