The question of whether the English word “bastard” appears in the Bible is a matter of translation, linguistic choice, and historical context. The literal presence of this specific English term depends entirely on which version of the Bible is being read, highlighting the dynamic nature of translating ancient texts into modern languages. The underlying concept in the original Hebrew text is far more complex and legally defined than the broad, often derogatory, modern English word suggests. Understanding the usage requires examining the original Hebrew concept and the specific legal restrictions imposed in the ancient Israelite community.
The English Translation History
The English word “bastard” appears in some of the oldest and most influential English translations, specifically the King James Version (KJV). This translation, first published in 1611, uses the word twice in the Old Testament: once in Deuteronomy 23:2 and again in Zechariah 9:6. The KJV translators chose this word to render the Hebrew term mamzer, which, in 17th-century English, was a relatively neutral legal term for a child born outside of a lawful marriage.
Modern English Bible versions, however, have largely abandoned the word “bastard” due to its evolution into a highly pejorative term. Translators prioritize clarity and avoiding offense, opting for phrases that more precisely convey the legal or social status implied by the original Hebrew. For instance, modern translations like the New International Version (NIV) and the English Standard Version (ESV) typically substitute “bastard” with phrases such as “one of illegitimate birth” or “illegitimate child.” This linguistic shift ensures the text’s meaning is understood by a contemporary audience without the negative social stigma the English word now carries.
The Original Hebrew Context
The discussion shifts to the core meaning of the original Hebrew word, mamzer (מַמְזֵר), which is the single term underlying the English translations. This term appears only two times in the entire Hebrew Bible, giving it a highly specific nature. Scholars and ancient Jewish sources agree that the mamzer status is not equivalent to the modern Western concept of illegitimacy, as it does not apply to a child born simply to unmarried parents. Instead, the status is applied only to the offspring of certain forbidden sexual relationships.
The most accepted definition in classical Jewish law (Halakha) is that mamzer refers to the child of a union that is biblically prohibited, specifically where the parents’ relationship would be subject to capital punishment or divine excision (karet). This means the status primarily covers children born from incestuous pairings or from adultery involving a married woman and a man other than her husband. The term marks a distinct legal and social status based on the lineage’s violation of a severe covenantal law.
Restrictions Under Mosaic Law
The most significant context for the term mamzer lies in the restriction placed upon the individual by the Mosaic Law, detailed in Deuteronomy 23:2. The text explicitly states that a mamzer “shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord,” a prohibition that extends even to the tenth generation of their descendants. This exclusion imposed a powerful limitation on communal and religious participation.
The phrase “assembly of the Lord” is generally interpreted by classical Jewish authorities as a prohibition on intermarriage with an ordinary Israelite. The mamzer and their descendants were restricted to marrying only other mamzerim or converts to Judaism, effectively creating a separate social class within the community. This hereditary restriction emphasizes the gravity of the lineage’s original offense against the covenantal law. Placing the mamzer restriction alongside those concerning Ammonites and Moabites in Deuteronomy underscores the profound impact of this legal status on the individual’s ability to participate fully in the Israelite community.