In biblical terminology, the term "bastard" refers to a child born out of wedlock. The concept and implications of illegitimacy are addressed in various passages of the Bible, reflecting the cultural and religious attitudes of ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew term often translated as "bastard" is "mamzer." This term 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 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 reflects the importance of family lineage and purity in the Israelite community. The assembly of the LORD was a sacred gathering, and maintaining the sanctity of this assembly was paramount. The exclusion of those born out of wedlock underscores the emphasis on legitimate family structures as ordained by God.

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 bastards were not merely social but had religious implications, as they were seen as a deviation from the divine order of family life.

The prohibition in Deuteronomy reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. This call to holiness extended to all aspects of life, including family and community relationships.

New Testament Considerations

While the New Testament does not explicitly address the status of bastards, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize grace, redemption, and the breaking down of social barriers. In Christ, believers are made new creations, and the distinctions that once separated individuals are overcome by the unity found in Him.

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 highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel, 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 redemption. The restrictions placed on bastards in the Old Testament point to the broader human condition of separation from God due to sin. However, the New Testament message of salvation through Jesus Christ offers hope and restoration to all, regardless of their background or circumstances of birth.

The Bible's treatment of bastards, therefore, reflects both the reality of sin and the transformative power of God's grace. Through faith in Christ, all individuals, regardless of their birth status, are invited into the family of God, where they find acceptance, purpose, and eternal life.

Cassius of Macomades Said: "Since There Cannot be Two Baptisms...
... Lord, for to the unrighteous it is said, "How then art thou turned into the degenerate
plant of a strange vine unto me?" [1699] no longer as bastards, but the ...
/.../chapter 29 55 cassius.htm

Hebrews xii. 6-Apr
... For as in families, fathers care not for bastards, though they learn nothing, though
they be not distinguished, but fear for their legitimate sons lest they ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix hebrews xii 6-apr.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... We are (as the apostle speaks in another sense) bastards and not sons (Hebrews
12:8). An unbeliever may call God his Judge, but not his Father. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Sowing and Reaping
... Has France not reaped? Mark the result: "The Bible was suppressed. God was denied.
Hell broke loose. Half the children born in Paris were bastards. ...
/.../moody/sowing and reaping/chapter i sowing and reaping.htm

Exhortation to Consistency of Conduct.
... Let us not bring disgrace upon our Father. Let us prove ourselves His true-born
children, and not bastards. Ye know after what manner I have acted among you. ...
/.../chapter vii exhortation to consistency of.htm

Things that Cannot be Shaken
... father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are
partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.". If love ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 11 things that cannot.htm

Conflict.
... chasteneth not? But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made
partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiv conflict.htm

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... we were left entirely without chastening, of which all the children of God are
partakers, we should have no right to consider ourselves sons, but only bastards ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

Still the Countess Sylvie was Silent. ...
... of a relentless malice""Your marriage, without the blessing of the Church of your
fathers, shall be declared illegal!" your children pronounced bastards! ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxiv still the countess sylvie.htm

The Downfall, 1616-1621.
... language. They declared that the wives of Protestant ministers were whores.
They denounced their children as bastards. They declared ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the downfall 1616-1621.htm

Bastards (1 Occurrence)
...Bastards (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof
all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. ...
/b/bastards.htm - 6k

Bastard (2 Occurrences)

/b/bastard.htm - 9k

Gentiles (150 Occurrences)
... Jews were forbidden to counsel them, and if they asked about Divine things they
were to be cursed. All children born of mixed marriages were bastards. ...
/g/gentiles.htm - 45k

Disciplined (18 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Hebrews 12:8 And if you are left without discipline, of which every true
son has had a share, that shows that you are bastards, and not true sons. ...
/d/disciplined.htm - 11k

Participated (3 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Hebrews 12:8 and if ye are apart from chastening, of which all have become
partakers, then bastards are ye, and not sons. (See RSV). ...
/p/participated.htm - 7k

Basthai

/b/basthai.htm - 6k

Shows (42 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 12:8 And if you are left without discipline, of which every true son has
had a share, that shows that you are bastards, and not true sons. (WEY). ...
/s/shows.htm - 17k

Chastisement (24 Occurrences)
... world. (WEY). Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are
partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/chastisement.htm - 18k

Chastening (11 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Hebrews 12:8 But if ye are without chastening, whereof all
have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (ASV DBY YLT). ...
/c/chastening.htm - 15k

Congregation (347 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 23:1-8 (in Hebrews 2-9) excludes bastards, Ammonites and Moabites from
the assembly, even to the tenth generation, while Edomites and Egyptians ...
/c/congregation.htm - 48k

Can a child who is conceived out of wedlock be saved? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus