Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "illegitimate" often refers to children born outside the bounds of lawful marriage. The Bible addresses the status and implications of illegitimacy in several passages, reflecting the cultural and legal norms of ancient Israelite society.Old Testament References The Hebrew term often translated as "illegitimate" is mamzer. This term appears in Deuteronomy 23:2 , which 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 indicates a significant social and religious restriction placed upon those considered illegitimate, barring them from full participation in the religious community of Israel. The restriction underscores the importance of family lineage and purity within the covenant community. The context of Deuteronomy suggests that the term mamzer may not only refer to children born out of wedlock but could also include those born from prohibited relationships, such as incest or unions with foreign nations that were forbidden by Mosaic Law. The emphasis on generational exclusion highlights the gravity with which such matters were treated in the Israelite community. New Testament Considerations The New Testament does not explicitly address the status of illegitimate children in the same legalistic terms as the Old Testament. However, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the transformative power of grace and the inclusion of all believers into the family of God, regardless of their earthly status or origins. In John 1:12-13 , it is written, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God." This passage highlights the spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family that transcends earthly lineage and social status. The apostle Paul further reinforces this inclusive message in Galatians 3:28 , stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This unity in Christ suggests that distinctions such as legitimacy, which were significant under the Old Covenant, are rendered irrelevant in the New Covenant community. Cultural and Theological Implications The biblical treatment of illegitimacy reflects broader themes of purity, covenant faithfulness, and community integrity. In ancient Israel, maintaining the sanctity of the family unit and the covenant community was paramount, and laws concerning illegitimacy served to uphold these values. However, the New Testament's emphasis on spiritual rebirth and equality in Christ offers a redemptive perspective that transcends the limitations of human birth and social status. This shift underscores the transformative nature of the Gospel, which offers acceptance and belonging to all who come to faith in Jesus Christ. In summary, while the Old Testament law imposed restrictions on those deemed illegitimate, the New Testament reveals a broader, more inclusive vision of God's family, where faith in Christ supersedes all earthly distinctions. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Unlawfully begotten; as, an illegitimate child or illegitimate gains.2. (a.) Not according to law; not regular or authorized; unlawful; improper. 3. (a.) Not legitimately deduced or inferred; illogical; as, an illegitimate inference. 4. (a.) Not authorized by good usage; not genuine; spurious; as, an illegitimate word. 5. (v. t.) To render illegitimate; to declare or prove to be born out of wedlock; to bastardize; to illegitimatize. 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... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a bastard, child of incest NASB Word Usage illegitimate birth (1), mongrel race (1), one of illegitimate birth (1). ... /hebrew/4464.htm - 6k 2114a. zur -- to be a stranger Library Whether an Illegitimate Son Can be Legitimized? Of Illegitimate Children (Three Articles) Whether those of Illegitimate Birth Should be Debarred from ... Whether Children Should Suffer any Loss through Being Illegitimate ... Whether Children Born Out of True Marriage are Illegitimate? An Ambiguous Passage of Scripture; not Only the Faithful but Even ... They Shall be Called the Children of God The Christian View of the Old Testament Jesus the Good Shepherd. Early Years Thesaurus Illegitimate (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Unlawfully begotten; as, an illegitimate child or illegitimate gains. 2. (a.) Not according to ... /i/illegitimate.htm - 8k Bastard (2 Occurrences) Divination (25 Occurrences) Accommodation (1 Occurrence) Natural (49 Occurrences) Namely (81 Occurrences) Undergoes (11 Occurrences) Waters (386 Occurrences) Illegal (2 Occurrences) Ill-established (1 Occurrence) Resources Can a child who is conceived out of wedlock be saved? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.org Illegitimate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Illegitimate (4 Occurrences)John 8:41 Hebrews 12:8 Deuteronomy 23:2 Hosea 5:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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