Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the word "bastard" refers to a child born out of wedlock. This term is used in various translations of the Bible and carries significant social and religious implications within the context of ancient Israelite society.Old Testament References The term "bastard" appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 23:2 states, "No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation." This verse highlights the restrictions placed on individuals born outside of lawful marriage, barring them from participating in the religious and communal life of Israel. The exclusion from the assembly underscores the importance of family lineage and the covenant community in Israelite society. The Hebrew word used in this context is "mamzer," which is often translated as "bastard" or "illegitimate child." The exact nature of the term has been debated, with some interpretations suggesting it may also refer to children born of prohibited relationships, such as incest or adultery. Cultural and Religious Context In ancient Israel, family and tribal affiliations were central to one's identity and social standing. The genealogical records were meticulously maintained, and purity of lineage was highly valued. The restrictions placed on those of illegitimate birth served to protect the sanctity of the family unit and the covenant community. It also reinforced the importance of lawful marriage as the foundation for family and societal stability. The exclusion from the assembly was not necessarily a reflection of personal sin or moral failing on the part of the individual but rather a consequence of the circumstances of their birth. This distinction is important in understanding the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes both justice and mercy. New Testament Considerations While the New Testament does not explicitly address the status of those born out of wedlock, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the transformative power of grace and redemption. The early Christian community, as depicted in the New Testament, sought to break down barriers of social status and lineage, focusing instead on faith in Christ as the basis for inclusion in the community of believers. Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse reflects the inclusive nature of the gospel message, which transcends social and cultural divisions, including those related to birth status. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the concept of illegitimacy in the Bible serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine grace. The restrictions placed on those of illegitimate birth in the Old Testament highlight the seriousness with which God views the covenant relationship and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the community. However, the overarching narrative of Scripture points to the redemptive work of Christ, who offers reconciliation and restoration to all, regardless of their background or circumstances of birth. The message of the gospel is one of hope and inclusion, affirming the value and dignity of every individual as a child of God. Smith's Bible Dictionary BastardAmong those who were excluded from entering the congregation, even to the tenth generation, was the bastard. (23:2) The term is not, however, applied to any illegitimate offspring, born out of wedlock, but is restricted by the rabbins to the issue of any connection within the degrees prohibited by the law. Easton's Bible Dictionary In the Old Testament the rendering of the Hebrew word mamzer', which means "polluted." In Deuteronomy 23:2, it occurs in the ordinary sense of illegitimate offspring. In Zechariah 9:6, the word is used in the sense of foreigner. From the history of Jephthah we learn that there were bastard offspring among the Jews (Judges 11:1-7). In Hebrews 12:8, the word (Gr. nothoi) is used in its ordinary sense, and denotes those who do not share the privileges of God's children. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A natural child; a child begotten and born out of wedlock; an illegitimate child; one born of an illicit union.2. (n.) An inferior quality of soft brown sugar, obtained from the syrups that / already had several boilings. 3. (n.) A large size of mold, in which sugar is drained. 4. (n.) A sweet Spanish wine like muscadel in flavor. 5. (n.) A writing paper of a particular size. See Paper. 6. (a.) Begotten and born out of lawful matrimony; illegitimate. See Bastard, n., note. 7. (n.) Lacking in genuineness; spurious; false; adulterate; -- applied to things which resemble those which are genuine, but are really not so. 8. (n.) of an unusual make or proportion; as, a bastard musket; a bastard culverin. 9. (n.) Abbreviated, as the half title in a page preceding the full title page of a book. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BASTARDbas'-tard (mamzer; nothos): In Deuteronomy 23:2 probably the offspring of an incestuous union, or of a marriage within the prohibited degrees of affinity (Leviticus 18:6-20; Leviticus 20:10-21). He and his descendants to the tenth generation are excluded from the assembly of the Lord. (See Driver, at the place). Zechariah (Zechariah 9:6), after prophesying the overthrow of three Philistine cities, declares of the fourth: "And a bastard (the Revised Version, margin "a bastard race") shall dwell in Ashdod," meaning probably that a "mixed population" (BDB) of aliens shall invade and settle in the capital of the Philistines. In Heb (Hebrews 12:8) in its proper sense of "born out of wedlock," and therefore not admitted to the privileges of paternal care and responsibility as a legitimate son. Greek 3541. nothos -- a bastard, baseborn ... a bastard, baseborn. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: nothos Phonetic Spelling: (noth'-os) Short Definition: illegitimate, bastard Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3541.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4464. mamzer -- a bastard, child of incest... 4463, 4464. mamzer. 4465 . a bastard, child of incest. Transliteration: mamzer Phonetic Spelling: (mam-zare') Short Definition: birth. ... bastard. ... /hebrew/4464.htm - 6k Library Parable of the Various Kinds of Fish in the Net. --Of the Wheat ... Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556 The First Blast of the Trumpet The Kingdome Apperteineth to Ovr God. Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564 The Lax and Dangerous views of this Sect Respecting Good Works ... Meditations for the Sick. By the Circumcision of Abraham, Marriage with Sisters Forbidden ... Analysis Necessary. The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk. Thesaurus Bastard (2 Occurrences)... From the history of Jephthah we learn that there were bastard offspring among the Jews (Judges 11:1-7). In Hebrews 12:8, the word (Gr. ... See Bastard, n., note. ... /b/bastard.htm - 9k Natural (49 Occurrences) Illegitimate (4 Occurrences) Forbidden (20 Occurrences) Base (127 Occurrences) Bastai Bastards (1 Occurrence) Copy (18 Occurrences) Spurious Saffron (1 Occurrence) Resources Can a child who is conceived out of wedlock be saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Queen Mary I of England known as Bloody Mary? | GotQuestions.org Bastard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bastard (2 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 23:2 Zechariah 9:6 Subtopics Bastard: David's Child by Bath-Sheba Bastard: Excluded from the Congregation Related Terms |
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