from זָלַל; properly, a shaking, i.e. perhaps a tempest; vilest.
Transliteration:zullûwth
Pronunciation:zool-looth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2149 (זֻלּוּת, *zullûwth*) is an abstract noun derived from the root זָלַל (zālal, `{{H2151}}`). The fundamental meaning of the root זָלַל encompasses concepts of "to be light," "to be trifling," "to be despised," "to be worthless," or "to squander." Consequently, זֻלּוּת (zullûwth) signifies the state or quality of being vile, contemptible, base, or worthless. While the base definition also suggests "a shaking" or "a tempest," this physical sense is less prominent in its sole biblical occurrence compared to the moral and qualitative meaning of extreme degradation. The word captures the essence of that which is utterly without value or honor, often implying a moral or spiritual debasement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2149 (זֻלּוּת, *zullûwth*) is remarkably rare, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible. Its singular occurrence is found in [[Psalm 12:8]]: "The wicked walk on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men."
In this profound lament, the psalmist, David, describes a world engulfed in moral decay. The surrounding verses depict a society where faithfulness has vanished, and deceit, flattery, and proud boasts prevail ([[Psalm 12:1-4]]). The phrase "when vileness is exalted among the sons of men" (כְּרוּם זֻלּוּת לִבְנֵי אָדָם) presents a stark and disturbing image. It signifies a profound inversion of values, where that which is inherently base, contemptible, and morally repugnant is not merely present but is elevated, honored, and given prominence within human society. This is not merely the *presence* of wickedness, but its *celebration* or *ascension to power*. The context emphasizes the plight of the righteous in such a world, highlighting the urgency of God's intervention and the stark contrast between human depravity and divine purity. The exaltation of זֻלּוּת (zullûwth) underscores the depth of societal corruption, where moral standards are so perverted that what should be abhorred is instead glorified.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H2149 is its root, זָלַל (zālal, `{{H2151}}`). This root appears in various forms, often conveying the idea of being light, despised, or squandering. For instance, in [[Lamentations 1:8]], Jerusalem is described as having "played the harlot," leading to her being "lightly esteemed" or "despised" (הִזִּילוּהָ). In [[Proverbs 23:21]], "the glutton and the drunkard will come to poverty," where the verb זָלַל implies squandering or being worthless.
Other related concepts and words that convey similar notions of contempt, worthlessness, or moral degradation include:
* בּוּז (buz, `{{H937}}`): contempt, scorn.
* קָלָל (qalal, `{{H7043}}`): to be light, swift, or despised.
* נָבָל (nabal, `{{H5036}}`): fool, senseless, morally degraded.
* רָשָׁע (rasha, `{{H7563}}`): wicked, guilty.
* תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`): abomination, detestable thing.
זֻלּוּת (zullûwth) stands out by specifically denoting the *state* or *quality* of extreme vileness, particularly when that state is paradoxically elevated or esteemed by humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2149 (זֻלּוּת, *zullûwth*) in [[Psalm 12:8]] is profound. It serves as a stark descriptor of a world in rebellion against God's moral order. God is holy, righteous, and just; therefore, anything characterized as זֻלּוּת (vileness, baseness) stands in direct opposition to His nature and will.
The "exaltation of vileness" represents a catastrophic moral inversion. It signifies that humanity, in its fallen state, has not only succumbed to sin but has actively begun to honor and promote that which is intrinsically evil and despised by God. This condition is a hallmark of spiritual depravity, where truth is suppressed, righteousness is scorned, and wickedness is celebrated. It speaks to a deep societal sickness that grieves the heart of God and necessitates divine intervention.
The psalmist's lament in Psalm 12, culminating in this verse, is a cry for God to act against such perversion. It underscores the biblical understanding that true societal health and flourishing are impossible when זֻלּוּת (zullûwth) is exalted. For the believer, it serves as a powerful warning against conforming to the world's inverted values and a call to uphold God's standards of righteousness, even when they are despised by the prevailing culture. The ultimate hope lies in God's promised preservation of the righteous ([[Psalm 12:7]]) and His eventual judgment against all forms of זֻלּוּת (zullûwth).
### Summary
H2149 (זֻלּוּת, *zullûwth*) is a rare and potent Hebrew term, derived from the root זָלַל (zālal, `{{H2151}}`), signifying vileness, baseness, or contemptibility. Its singular appearance in [[Psalm 12:8]] powerfully depicts a society where moral values are catastrophically inverted, and that which is inherently vile is paradoxically exalted among humanity. This unique usage highlights a profound spiritual and ethical decay, where wickedness is not merely present but is given honor and prominence. Theologically, זֻלּוּת (zullûwth) stands as the antithesis of God's holy character, representing a state of deep rebellion and societal corruption that elicits divine lament and calls for God's righteous intervention. It serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of celebrating moral degradation and underscores the urgent need for God's redemptive work in a fallen world.
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