Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: If we read the Mt 1,18-19 and the hint in Jn 8,41 with open eyes, a scandal surfaces. The origin of Jesus is uncertain, even regarded as a result of fornication. Is it possible that Jesus was regarded as a mamzer, an illegitimate child, whose father is either unknown, or known and identified as a pagan? This essay takes ancient texts under scrutiny – biblical, extra-canonical and apochriphal, in order to examine the possible meaning of mamzerim in the time of Jesus, and the consequences it might have had on the teachings and mentality of Jesus. I conclude that Jesus might have experienced two restrictions: he had restricted opportunities for marriage, as he was not counted among the „pure Israelite”, and he was banned from the sanctuary of the Temple. We have some hints in the Gospels that can be read in this direction.
Source: Sárospataki füzetek
Author: György Kustár
Institution: Sárospatak Reformed Theological University
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410717520