Episode 45: Yah's Way Or The Highway - Son or Bastard?

Solo Faith Church Podcast

In Hebrews 12:8 (KJV), the word bastard is used: "But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." The use of the word bastard in this context is both cultural and theological. Here’s why the writer of Hebrews chose this term and its significance: 1. Historical Context of the Term "Bastard" In ancient times, the term bastard referred to a child born out of wedlock or to someone who did not have a recognized legal father. Such children were often excluded from the family inheritance and societal privileges. In the Old Testament, under Jewish law, bastards (Hebrew: mamzer) were excluded from the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:2). This exclusion was symbolic of not belonging to the covenant community and being outside the blessing and discipline of God. 2. Theological Implication The writer of Hebrews uses the term metaphorically to emphasize the relationship between God and His children: Chastisement is evidence of sonship: In the passage, God’s discipline (or chastisement) is presented as evidence that someone is truly His child. Just as a loving father disciplines his legitimate children to correct and guide them, God disciplines those who belong to Him. No chastisement = no relationship: The term bastard is used to describe someone who does not have a legitimate claim to God as their Father. In essence, if a person is not experiencing God’s discipline, it is an indication that they are not truly His child. 3. Why Use Such a Strong Word? The word bastard carries a sense of exclusion and alienation, which drives home the seriousness of the point. The writer is making a stark contrast between those who are legitimate children of God and those who are not: A legitimate child enjoys the privileges of relationship, correction, and inheritance from their father.A bastard does not share in those privileges, signifying a lack of true connection to the family of God.This strong language was intended to encourage the audience (Jewish Christians undergoing trials) to endure God’s discipline, understanding it as evidence of their belonging to Him. 4. Application for Believers The use of the term bastard reminds believers of the importance of God’s discipline in their lives. It challenges them to: Rejoice in God's discipline: Rather than resenting correction, believers should see it as proof of God’s fatherly care and their secure place in His family.Evaluate their spiritual relationship: Those who live without any sense of God’s correction or guidance might need to examine whether they truly have a relationship with Him.Conclusion The word bastard in Hebrews 12:8 is not used to insult but to illustrate a profound spiritual truth: God’s discipline is a mark of His love and proof of our legitimacy as His children. Without it, we would be like illegitimate children, without a claim to His inheritance or His care. Thus, the word serves as a sobering reminder of the blessings and responsibilities of being in God’s family.