The Hebrew word bûwz, represented by H937, denotes disrespect, contempt, or being despised or shamed. It appears 11 times in 11 unique verses, highlighting its specific role in describing a potent form of disdain and dishonor. The term captures the act of looking down on someone, the resulting state of being shamed, and the feeling of being filled with contempt.
In scripture, H937 is used to describe contempt from various sources and for different reasons. It is an expression of the proud, who speak contemptuously against the righteous Psalms 31:18. The psalmist feels exceedingly filled with the contempt of those who are at ease Psalms 123:4, while Job mentions the fear of contempt from families Job 31:34. Conversely, God is shown to pour contempt upon princes as an act of judgment (Psalms 107:40, Job 12:21). The term is also linked to personal dishonor, as when Judah expresses concern "lest we be shamed" Genesis 38:23.
Several related words clarify the context and nature of contempt:
- H1343 gêʼeh (proud): This term for being lofty or arrogant is directly identified as a source of contempt. The psalmist is filled with the contempt of the proud Psalms 123:4.
- H2781 cherpâh (reproach): Often appearing alongside H937, this word for disgrace and rebuke emphasizes the public shame associated with contempt. The psalmist prays to have both reproach and contempt removed Psalms 119:22.
- H8210 shâphak (poureth): This verb, meaning to spill forth or pour out, describes God's active judgment. God is the one who poureth contempt upon princes, demonstrating it as an instrument of divine power (Job 12:21, Psalms 107:40).
The theological weight of H937 is significant, highlighting the moral and spiritual dynamics of pride and humility.
- A Consequence of Sin: Contempt is directly associated with wickedness. When the wicked come, so comes contempt Proverbs 18:3. It is spoken by lying lips against the righteous Psalms 31:18 and is characteristic of the proud Psalms 123:4.
- An Instrument of Divine Judgment: God Himself wields contempt to humble the powerful. He poureth contempt upon princes, turning their status to dishonor and causing them to wander aimlessly Psalms 107:40.
- The Affliction of the Righteous: The faithful often endure contempt as a form of persecution. The soul of the psalmist is "exceedingly filled with contempt" Psalms 123:3, and he prays for its removal as a burden alongside reproach Psalms 119:22.
- A Mark of a Perverse Heart: A person is despised H937 for having a perverse heart, in direct contrast to one who is commended for wisdom Proverbs 12:8.
In summary, H937 is more than simple disrespect; it is a profound expression of dishonor with serious moral implications. It originates from the pride and wickedness of humanity, is experienced as a deep affliction by the righteous, and is ultimately used by God as a tool of divine justice to abase the arrogant. The word bûwz thus serves as a key descriptor in the biblical narrative of the conflict between pride and righteousness, and between human authority and divine sovereignty.
TRV