### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉʼâṭ**, represented by `{{H7589}}`, describes **contempt** or **despite**. Derived from an unused root that means to push aside, it appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**. The term conveys a sense of scornful rejection and ill will.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7589}}` is found exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, where it characterizes the malicious attitude of Israel's enemies. The Philistines are described as taking vengeance "with a despiteful heart" [[Ezekiel 25:15]], driven by an old hatred. Similarly, those who rejoice over Israel's downfall do so with clapping hands and "all thy despite against the land of Israel" [[Ezekiel 25:6]]. In a prophecy against Idumea, they are condemned for taking God's land "with despiteful minds" [[Ezekiel 36:5]]. In each case, **shᵉʼâṭ** denotes a deep-seated contempt that fuels hostile actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of **shᵉʼâṭ** is clarified by several related terms that appear alongside it in scripture:
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (soul, mind, person): This word is directly linked to **shᵉʼâṭ** in all its occurrences, appearing as "despiteful minds" [[Ezekiel 36:5]] or a "despiteful heart" ([[Ezekiel 25:15]], [[Ezekiel 25:6]]). This indicates that the contempt of **shᵉʼâṭ** is a profound state of one's inner being or soul.
* `{{H342}}` **ʼêybâh** (hatred): The actions of the Philistines are driven by both a "despiteful heart" and an "old hatred" [[Ezekiel 25:15]]. This connects **shᵉʼâṭ** directly to long-standing enmity.
* `{{H5360}}` **nᵉqâmâh** (revenge, vengeance): In the same passage, the Philistines are said to have "dealt by revenge" [[Ezekiel 25:15]], showing that the inner contempt of **shᵉʼâṭ** manifests as acts of vengeance.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7589}}` is significant, highlighting attitudes that provoke divine judgment.
* **Contempt for God's Covenant:** The word is consistently used to describe the contemptuous attitude of nations like the Philistines and Idumea towards God's people and His land ([[Ezekiel 25:6]], [[Ezekiel 36:5]]). This is not merely political opposition but a spiteful rejection of God's chosen.
* **The Internal Root of Hostility:** By being located in the "heart" or "mind" `{{H5315}}`, **shᵉʼâṭ** illustrates that sinful actions like vengeance [[Ezekiel 25:15]] and malicious rejoicing [[Ezekiel 25:6]] originate from a corrupt inner state of contempt.
* **Justification for Divine Judgment:** In all three verses, the presence of **shᵉʼâṭ** is presented as the direct cause for God's declaration of judgment. God's response to this "despite" is to speak "in the fire of my jealousy" [[Ezekiel 36:5]] and to execute vengeance upon those who harbor it.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7589}}` **shᵉʼâṭ** is a potent and specific term for a profound form of contempt. Though appearing only three times, its exclusive use in Ezekiel paints a clear picture of a malicious inner disposition directed against God's people and land. It is an attitude of the heart and mind that fuels acts of hatred and vengeance, ultimately serving as a reason for divine judgment. The word demonstrates how the Bible views internal scorn not as a passive feeling, but as an active sin that incurs God's righteous anger.
TRV