מַזָּלָה
𐤌𐤆𐤋𐤄
mazzâlâh
H4208 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A constellation, especially one of the twelve divisions of the zodiac or a prominent star grouping regarded as influencing times or seasons. In context, often refers to the heavenly bodies that mark the passage of time or regulate the agricultural or ritual calendar.
Semantic Range
constellation, zodiacal sign, planetary body, grouping of stars, celestial division
Root / Etymology
Formed from the root נזל (to flow, trickle, drip), possibly referring metaphorically to the 'flowing' or progression of constellations across the sky. The noun form מַזָּלָה denotes a celestial grouping by way of extension from the sense of movement or procession. Related but distinct from מַזָּרָה (mazzârâh), which refers to the 'constellation (of the zodiac)' marked by seasonal change. Etymology uncertain beyond the connection to נזל, as constellation terms were often borrowed and repurposed across ancient Near Eastern languages.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מַזָּלָה appears only in post-exilic texts (Nehemiah 9:6 and 2 Kings 23:5, though the latter may reflect a differently pointed form or a related term). The word's use indicates a knowledge of astral phenomena that became more pronounced in Second Temple period Judaean literature, under the influence of Babylonian and Hellenistic astronomy. Earlier Israelite texts make almost no reference to specific constellations or zodiacal signs, favoring more generic words for 'stars' or 'hosts of heaven.' Later, particularly in postbiblical Hebrew, מַזָּלָה and its derivative מַזָּל acquire association with 'fortune' or 'luck,' derived from the belief in the stars' influence over fate—a usage not attested in the Hebrew Bible. English translations often render the word as 'constellation,' 'zodiacal sign,' or 'planet,' but 'constellation' best fits the primary sense as attested in biblical usage. Distinct from כוכב (kokhav, 'star'), which refers to individual stars rather than groupings. In rabbinic and later tradition, מַזָּלָה gives rise to the concept of astrological 'mazal' (fortune), but this post-biblical association should not be read back into the biblical material.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently from נָזַל in the sense of raining; a constellation, i.e. Zodiacal sign (perhaps as affecting the weather); planet. Compare מַזָּרָה.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נזל (n-z-l) — to flow, trickle, move in procession
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5140 | נָזַל | he caused to flow |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4208-01 |
וְ/לַ/מַּזָּל֔וֹת | velamazalot | HC/Rd/Ncmpa |
and to the constellations | and to the constellations | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4208-01 |
2 Kings 23:5 | וְ/לַ/מַּזָּל֔וֹת | velamazalot | HC/Rd/Ncmpa |
and to the constellations | and to the constellations |