מַזָּרָה
𐤌𐤆𐤓𐤄
Mazarah
H4216 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A constellation or group of stars, used specifically to denote a significant stellar configuration or set of constellations, possibly referring to the zodiacal constellations or the wider system of fixed stars in the ancient Israelite astronomical lexicon. The term encompasses the collective notion of distinctive constellations visible in the night sky, especially as markers of seasons or times.
Semantic Range
constellation, group of stars, set of constellations, zodiac (possibly), collective celestial signs
Root / Etymology
From the root נזר (n-z-r), meaning 'to separate, consecrate, distinguish.' The form מַזָּרָה (mazzârâh) is a feminine noun derived from the idea of that which is distinguished or set apart, here applied to distinctive arrangements of stars (constellations). The root meaning ('to separate, distinguish') connects to the concept of constellations as distinct, recognizable patterns in the sky. However, direct etymological connection to נזר is debated, and the precise morphological development remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מַזָּרָה occurs only in Job 38:32, alongside other rare astronomical terms, in a passage questioning human knowledge of the heavens. Ancient translators (e.g., LXX) rendered the term with references to 'Mazzaroth' or with vague plurals indicating groups of constellations. Later tradition sometimes equated it with the zodiac, though this identification is not certain for the biblical period. The related term מַזָּלָה (mazzālāh) also pertains to constellations or fixed stars, and later developed the sense of 'fortune/luck' due to astrological associations. In the Hebrew Bible, מַזָּרָה is not linked to personal destiny or astrology but to the observed order of the stars marking seasons or times. The term likely reflects knowledge of seasonally significant constellations, though its precise referent (whether the zodiac or broader stellar groupings) is debated. English translations often transliterate the term ('Mazzaroth'), or attempt interpretive renderings ('constellations,' 'zodiac'), sometimes narrowing the meaning unduly.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently from נָזַר in the sense of distinction; some noted constellation (only in the plural), perhaps collectively, the zodiac; Mazzoroth. Compare מַזָּלָה.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נזר (n-z-r) — to separate, distinguish, consecrate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4502 | מִנְּזָר | your consecration-diadems |
| H5139 | נָזִיר | the consecrated one |
| H5144 | נָזַר | his setting-apart |
| H5145 | נֶזֶר | the consecrated diadem |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4216-01 |
מַזָּר֣וֹת | mazarot | HNp |
the Mazzaroth | distinguished constellations | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4216-01 |
Job 38:32 | מַזָּר֣וֹת | mazarot | HNp |
the Mazzaroth | distinguished constellations |