I was reading Manuel Silva-Esterrich's Facebook post, from December 30, 2025
Which begins:(I’ll distinguish between explicit text, historical roles, and interpretive tradition, so you can see what is solid vs. theological reading.)
Gender-Nonconforming & Gender-Expansive Figures in the Bible
Eunuchs
(multiple passages)
Key texts: Isaiah 56:3–5; Matthew 19:12; Acts 8:26–39
Eunuchs were explicitly recognized in Scripture as people who did not fit binary reproductive or gender roles.
Jesus names eunuchs as:
“born that way”
“made that way by others”
“choosing that way for the kingdom”
Isaiah prophesies their full inclusion, dignity, and spiritual legacy.
The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts is the first non-Jewish convert baptized—without being “fixed” or excluded.
This is the clearest biblical category of acknowledged gender nonconformity.
Joseph
(Genesis 37–50)
Described wearing a kĕtōnet passîm (often translated “coat of many colors”), a garment elsewhere associated with royal or feminine attire.
His brothers mock and reject him; he is punished for his difference.
Joseph weeps openly, interprets dreams, and embodies non-hegemonic masculinity.
Rabbinic tradition often notes Joseph’s androgynous beauty.
Deborah
(Judges 4–5)
A woman acting as judge, prophet, military authority, and national leader—roles culturally coded male.
Barak refuses to fight without her, reversing expected gender hierarchy.
Deborah’s authority is never questioned by the text; it is normative and celebrated.
Jael
(Judges 4)
Performs a violent military victory using domestic tools (tent peg, hammer).
Combines traditionally “feminine” space with decisive martial action.
Praised as “most blessed of women”—despite violating gender expectations.
David
Forms an intensely emotional bond with Jonathan:
“Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women.” (2 Sam 1:26)
Publicly weeps, composes poetry, dances nearly naked before God.
David’s masculinity is expressive, vulnerable, artistic, not stoic or militarized.
Jonathan
Initiates a covenant with David involving gift-exchange of royal garments and weapons.
Displays loyalty and emotional intimacy that exceeds conventional warrior masculinity.
Ruth
Leaves natal family structure to covenant with Naomi in language usually reserved for God or kings.
Takes initiative in courtship and survival strategy—gender-role subversive behavior.
Ancestor of David, anchoring nonconforming loyalty within sacred lineage.
Jeremiah
Forbidden to marry or form normative household structures (Jer 16).
Weeps publicly, laments intensely, and resists masculine ideals of strength and dominance.
Often mocked as weak or emotional—yet chosen as God’s voice.
Jesus
Rejects marriage, patriarchy, and inheritance norms.
Centers eunuchs, children, women, and outcasts.
Uses maternal imagery for God and himself (“like a mother hen”).
Crucifixion itself represents the ultimate inversion of imperial masculinity.
Early Christians were often accused of being socially and gender-deviant for following him.
Paul
Key text: Galatians 3:28
“There is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ.”
Paul re-frames identity beyond gender hierarchy within spiritual reality.
Though later texts attributed to Paul re-impose order, this verse remains radically expansive.
Important Clarification (and Why This Matters)
The Bible does not use modern categories like “transgender” or “nonbinary.”
However, it repeatedly affirms people who do not conform to dominant gender, sexual, reproductive, or social norms.
Exclusionary readings are later theological constructions, not the trajectory of the text itself.
The biblical arc moves from exclusion → recognition → blessing → inclusion.
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