Original Word: מַזָּרָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mazzarah
Pronunciation: mazz-ah-roth
Phonetic Spelling: (maz-zaw-raw')
Definition: Constellations, Zodiac
Meaning: some noted constellation, the zodiac

Mazzoroth

Apparently from nazar in the sense of distinction; some noted constellation (only in the plural), perhaps collectively, the zodiac -- Mazzoroth. Compare mazzalah.

see HEBREW nazar

see HEBREW mazzalah

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps a constellation
NASB Translation
constellation (1).

מַזָּרוֺת noun [feminine] plural probably = מַזָּלוֺת q. v. above (on ר = ל see W^{SG 67}, yet also Nö^{ZMG xi.1886,185}) only בְּעִתּוֺ ׳הֲתֹצִיא מ Job 38:32, where treated as masculine singular, and perhaps understood of some particular star or constellation. ᵐ5 μαζουρωθ.

מִזְרָח see זרח. מְזָרִים see זרה

Pi`el 1.

[מִזְרָע] see I. זרע. מִזְרָק see זרק.

[מֵחַ], מֹחַ see מחח.

Word Origin: Derived from the root זָרָה (zarah), meaning "to scatter" or "to spread."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent in the Strong's Concordance for מַזָּרָה, as the concept of the zodiac or specific constellations is not directly addressed in the Greek New Testament. However, related Greek terms might include those referring to stars or celestial bodies, such as ἄστρον (astron, Strong's Greek 792) for "star" or οὐρανός (ouranos, Strong's Greek 3772) for "heaven" or "sky."

Usage: The term מַזָּרָה appears in the context of celestial bodies and is often interpreted as referring to the zodiac or a specific constellation within it.

Context: The Hebrew term מַזָּרָה (mazzarah) is found in the Old Testament and is traditionally understood to refer to a constellation or the zodiac. The word is derived from a root meaning "to scatter," which may allude to the scattering of stars across the sky or the division of the zodiac into various signs. In the ancient Near Eastern context, constellations and the zodiac were significant for both timekeeping and astrological purposes. The zodiac, a belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, includes the apparent paths of the sun, moon, and principal planets. It is divided into twelve signs, each associated with a specific constellation.

In the Bible, the mention of מַזָּרָה is often linked to discussions of God's creation and control over the cosmos. For instance, in Job 38:32, God challenges Job by asking, "Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?" (BSB). This rhetorical question underscores the divine authority over the celestial order, which humans cannot command or alter.

The understanding of מַזָּרָה as the zodiac reflects the broader ancient worldview that saw the heavens as a reflection of divine order and power. The constellations were not merely astronomical phenomena but were imbued with symbolic and theological significance.

מַזָּר֣וֹת מזרות maz·zā·rō·wṯ mazzaRot mazzārōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts