Abstract

In the biblical passage of Is. 56, 3-7 the prophet establishes a profound connection between the eunuch and the stranger, figures traditionally excluded from the community of Israel, but whom God surprisingly welcomes into his people (in accordance with the universalistic perspective of the Trito Isaiah). In the patristic commentary this connection is mostly broken, and we specialize on the figure of the eunuch who, in the light of Jesus’ words on eunuchia (Mt. 19, 10-12), becomes a reference for a new consideration of continence for the Kingdom. As prophesied by Isaiah, he who is not fruitful by nature, or rather by choice, is raised, by a divine gift, to a new generation: he is the dry wood that flowers and bears fruits.