Mazzaroth
/ˌmæzəˈrɒθ/noun
A biblical term traditionally understood as referring to the constellations or zodiacal signs.
Did you know?Mazzaroth appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 38:32, where God challenges Job about humanity’s ability to control the heavens.
Etymological Timeline
Late 2nd–1st Millennium BCE
Hebrew
מַזָּרוֹת (mazzārōṯ)
“A rare plural term in the Book of Job, probably referring to celestial formations or a cycle of stars.”
Ancient Near East
Akkadian
manzaltu / manzāzu
“Proposed comparative forms meaning a station, position, or place of standing; the connection to Mazzaroth is possible but not certain.”
3rd–2nd Century BCE
Greek Septuagint
μαζουρωθ (mazourōth)
“A transliteration of the obscure Hebrew word rather than a clear translation.”
4th–5th Century CE
Latin Vulgate
luciferum
“Rendered in some traditions as a reference to the morning star or celestial lights, reflecting uncertainty about the Hebrew term.”
16th–17th Century
English
Mazzaroth
“Adopted in English Bible translations as a transliteration, often interpreted in notes or commentary as the zodiac or constellations.”
Modern English
English
Mazzaroth
“A rare biblical and esoteric term for the constellations, zodiacal signs, or an unidentified celestial order.”