In the same way that certain denominations promote (and in some cases, require) their adherents to remain celibate and/or non-married, are there any that promote making themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of God like Jesus talked about in Matthew 19? Jesus brought up the practice as if it was *somewhat* common. > **Matthew 19:9-12 ESV** And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, **and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven**. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” I've heard of individual men that have done this, but never a group.

The text I'm drawing from is Matthew 19:1-12. Here is my main text: > "But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: **and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.** He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." (my emphasis added) Matt 19:11-12 (KJV) It would do anyone who answers well to read all of Mathew 19:1-12. Would someone please both answer the above question, and explain verses 10 and 11 in a more basic form? thanks!

From this verse in Matthew 19, it may appear that the Savior approved of celibacy or self-mutilation: > "For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s > womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and > there be 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) * However, modern apostles and prophets have clarified “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. … God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129) . Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that anciently some people held the false belief that a life of celibacy was to be sought after: “Apparently those who made themselves eunuchs were men who in false pagan worship had deliberately mutilated themselves in the apostate notion that such would further their salvation. It is clear that such was not a true gospel requirement of any sort. There is no such thing in the gospel as wilful emasculation; such a notion violates every true principle of procreation and celestial marriage” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 1:549). What did Christ mean when he said, "He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."?