Mazal
/məˈzɑːl/noun
A Hebrew-derived word meaning luck, fortune, or astrological influence, especially in the expression “mazal tov.”
Did you know?In ancient Jewish and Near Eastern thought, mazal was associated with zodiacal constellations and the belief that celestial patterns could influence earthly fortune.
Etymological Timeline
2nd Millennium BCE
Akkadian
manzāzu
“A standing place, position, or station”
1st Millennium BCE
Biblical Hebrew
מַזָּלוֹת (mazzālōth)
“Constellations or celestial signs; the term appears in the Hebrew Bible”
Late Antiquity
Jewish Aramaic
מַזָּל (mazzāl)
“A constellation, planetary influence, or heavenly configuration”
Medieval Hebrew
Hebrew
mazzal
“Fate, fortune, or luck as influenced by the stars”
18th Century
Yiddish
mazel
“Luck or good fortune”
19th Century
English
mazel
“Luck, chiefly encountered in the expression “mazel tov””
Modern English
English
mazal
“A Hebrew transliteration referring to luck, fortune, or astrological destiny”