Begotten Not Rejected: The Truth Behind the KJV and the Concept of Bastard Children in the Old Testament

The Bible, as a text of unparalleled significance, holds profound lessons for Christians and humanity at large. One such topic is the treatment of bastard children as depicted in the King James Version (KJV) and the broader context of the Old Testament. This discussion will explore the misleading representation of these children, the accurate meaning of the term Mamzer, and the message of inclusivity from God.

The Misrepresentation in the KJV

It is important to note that the King James Version (KJV), while a classic and influential translation of the Bible, has certain limitations in its representation of the Hebrew text. Throughout the Old Testament, including the KJV, the term used for bastard is poorly translated from the Hebrew term Mamzer. This misrepresentation has led to misunderstanding and ethical concerns.

The Term Mamzer in Context

Contrary to common belief, the Old Testament does not explicitly reject bastard children. In fact, a significant portion of the Old Testament, including Genesis 38 and Judges 21, actually recognizes and acknowledges these children. Let's delve deeper into these passages:

Genesis 38 and the Case of Pharez

Genesis 38 is a narrative of sexual misconduct and its consequences. Judah, son of Jacob, conceives twins with his daughter-in-law Tamar out of wedlock. The names of these twin boys are Pharez and Zerah. According to the KJV, Pharez is referred to as a house of Israel, but in reality, he is a Mamzer. This term is crucial to understanding the context:

Mamzer does not mean a mere bastard in the sense of illegitimacy or illegality. Instead, in Jewish and Biblical tradition, a Mamzer is a child who is the product of prohibited or prohibited-type relationships. Specifically, a Mamzer is a child born to a woman who has previously been married to a priest and had an extra-marital relationship. The term encompasses a wider range of eligibility and inheritance rights, but it does not denote rejection.

Case of Judah's Sons

When Judah had married a Canaanite woman and had three sons with her, before Tamar, God punished him by killing his two older sons. This action did not exclusively result in them being called bastards, but rather, they were judged based on the laws of the time. The real Bastards were the Canaanites who married into the Israelite community, which is clearly documented in Judges 21.

The Larger Message of Inclusivity

It is crucial to recognize that if God had disowned bastard children, he would have done so explicitly. However, the scriptures provide no evidence of such a declaration. On the contrary, the narrative in the Old Testament often emphasizes the inclusivity of God. Jesus Himself taught, “Let the little children come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Furthermore, Jesus teaches us that any deed done in service to others, even the least, is done unto Him (Matthew 25:31-46).

The Eternal Book of Life

While the deeds of a human being do not earn their way to eternal life, they can certainly add a sweet fragrance to their life’s journey. God, in His wisdom, records all good deeds in the Book of Remembrance. These deeds may not be the pathway to salvation but they contribute to a life lived in accordance with His will. As believers, we are called to live a life of service and obedience, not just to rescue our own souls but to help those in need, even if they are our enemies.

Conclusion

In summary, the term Mamzer in the Old Testament has been misunderstood due to poor translation. The true essence of the scriptures emphasizes the innate value of every human being, regardless of their lineage or social status. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend our love and help to all those in need, for it is in such actions that we honor the Lord who redeemed us.

Related Keywords

Bastard Children King James Version Torah Mamzer Old Testament

Summary of the Article

This article aims to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the treatment of bastard children in the Old Testament. By examining the original Hebrew terms and contextualizing the narratives, we find that these children were not rejected by God but rather were acknowledged and uplifted. The New Testament further reinforces this message of inclusivity and the value of every individual in the sight of God.