Bible Dictionaries
Bastard

Holman Bible Dictionary

An illegitimate child, but not necessarily a child born out of wedlock. The term could refer to offspring of an incestuous union or of a marriage that was prohibited (Leviticus 18:6-20; Leviticus 20:11-20 ). Illegitimate children were not permitted to enter the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:2 ). According to Hebrews, those who do not have the discipline of the Lord are illegitimate children (Deuteronomy 12:8 ). Also translated as “a mongrel people” (Zechariah 9:6 NRSV).