### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâzâh**, represented by `{{H959}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to disesteem**. It appears 43 times across 41 unique verses in the Bible. Its translations convey strong feelings of contempt, including **despise**, **disdain**, and being considered **contemptible** or a **vile person**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H959}}` is used to describe a range of scornful attitudes. It frequently describes contempt toward God, His name, or His law, as when the priests **despise** God's name [[Malachi 1:6]] or when David is rebuked because he **despised** the commandment of the LORD [[2 Samuel 12:9]]. Conversely, the word shows that God does not **despise** a broken and contrite heart [[Psalms 51:17]]. The term is also applied to human relationships, such as when Esau **despised** his birthright [[Genesis 25:34]] or when Michal **despised** David in her heart [[2 Samuel 6:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of contempt and esteem:
* `{{H2310}}` **châdêl** (rejected): This word is used alongside **bâzâh** to describe the suffering servant as both **despised** and **rejected** of men [[Isaiah 53:3]].
* `{{H2803}}` **châshab** (to think, regard, value, compute): This term serves as a direct contrast. The servant who was **despised** `{{H959}}` was also one whom "we **esteemed** him not" [[Isaiah 53:3]].
* `{{H3932}}` **lâʻag** (to deride; laugh to scorn): This word is often paired with **bâzâh** to intensify the mockery, as when Israel's enemies "laughed us to **scorn**, and **despised** us" [[Nehemiah 2:19]].
* `{{H7043}}` **qâlal** (to be light, trifling, vile): This word is presented as a direct consequence of despising God: "they that **despise** me shall be **lightly esteemed**" [[1 Samuel 2:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H959}}` is significant, highlighting the gravity of scorning divine authority.
* **Attitude of the Heart:** The act of despising is often an internal state reflecting a perverse character. Michal **despised** David "in her heart" [[1 Chronicles 15:29]], and one who is perverse in his ways **despiseth** the LORD [[Proverbs 14:2]].
* **Objects of Contempt:** The word is applied to both people and principles. The poor man's wisdom is **despised** [[Ecclesiastes 9:16]], and the suffering servant is **despised** [[Isaiah 53:3]]. People are commanded to despise what is vile [[Psalms 15:4]] but are condemned for despising God's holy things [[Ezekiel 22:8]] or his people [[Obadiah 1:2]].
* **Divine Consequence:** Despising God or His covenants brings about a promised negative outcome. Breaking a covenant after having **despised** the oath leads to judgment [[Ezekiel 17:19]], and those who despise God's ways "shall die" [[Proverbs 19:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H959}}` is more than simple dislike; it represents a profound and dangerous state of contempt. It defines the act of looking down upon God, His commands, His servants, and His covenants. The word illustrates a core spiritual principle: while God does not despise the afflicted or the brokenhearted [[Psalms 22:24]], those who despise Him and His ways face certain judgment.
TRV