מַמְזֵר (mam.zer)
mam.zer
bastard
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mamzer refers to a child born from prohibited unions, specifically incest or relationships between Jews and non-Jews. In biblical law, this status carried significant social and religious restrictions, marking the individual as outside the full community of Israel.
Though it appears only once in the Old Testament, in Zechariah 9:6, its meaning extends beyond a single family line. The prophet uses it metaphorically to describe foreign populations living in Ashkelon, suggesting that their mixed heritage or alien status disqualifies them from participating in the religious life of Jerusalem.
This usage highlights how ancient Israel viewed purity and identity. Being a mamzer was not just about birth; it was about belonging. The term served as a boundary marker, separating those who were fully part of the covenant community from those who were not.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mamzer marks a boundary in ancient Israel, separating those fully within the covenant from those excluded due to their origins or mixed heritage. In Zechariah 9:6, it serves as a metaphor for foreign populations, highlighting how purity and identity were tightly linked to community belonging.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s people are defined not by bloodlines but by His grace. While the Old Testament used such terms to maintain distinctiveness, the New Testament opens the door wide to all nations. You are welcomed into God’s family regardless of your background or past.
This word shows how far God has come in breaking down walls between people. It invites you to see yourself as part of a global community where every believer is valued and included. Let this truth encourage you in your walk with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a mixed population1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַמְזֵ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 9:6
Foreigners will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
This verse uses the term metaphorically to describe foreign populations, showing how it functioned as a boundary marker for religious participation.