How many meanings of "eunuch" are there in the Bible?

The term "eunuch" appears several times in the Bible, and is used in a variety of different contexts. While the term is often associated with castration, its meaning in the Bible is much broader and more complex.

In the Old Testament, the term "eunuch" is used to refer to a variety of different individuals, including palace officials, courtiers, and military leaders. These individuals were often entrusted with important responsibilities and were considered to be highly respected members of society.

In some cases, the term "eunuch" may have been used in a more literal sense, to refer to individuals who had been castrated. This was often done for practical reasons, such as to prevent the individual from having sexual relations with women or to make them more trustworthy in positions of power.

In the New Testament, the term "eunuch" takes on a more symbolic meaning, and is often used to refer to individuals who have chosen to remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom of God. This is perhaps best exemplified in the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, who is baptized by Philip and becomes a follower of Jesus.

Overall, the term "eunuch" in the Bible has multiple meanings and connotations, and cannot be understood simply as a reference to castration. The term is used in a variety of different contexts, and is often symbolic of larger themes and ideas related to power, sexuality, and spirituality.