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.
Beyond simple dislike, H959 conveys a profound act of devaluation, where the object of contempt is actively rendered worthless in the eyes of the despiser. This is not merely a passive feeling of disdain but an intentional dismissal of inherent worth or significance. The root carries the sense of treating something as light, trifling, or of no account, thereby stripping it of honor or respect. This active judgment of worthlessness underlies the various translations, indicating a deep-seated scorn that rejects the very essence or claim of the despised entity.
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.
The word H959 also highlights the vulnerability of those perceived as weak or in a position of lesser power, who become targets of scorn. This is evident when the Philistine Goliath "disdained" David because he was "but a youth" 1 Samuel 17:42, or when the "children of Belial" "despised" Saul, the newly appointed king, considering him unfit to save them 1 Samuel 10:27. Similarly, the righteous individual can be "despised of the people" Psalms 22:6 or feel "small and despised" Psalms 119:141, illustrating how human judgment often devalues those who lack worldly status or power.
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.
- H936 bûwz (to despise): This verb functions as a close synonym to H959, often used interchangeably to express scorn, contempt, and the act of treating something as of no consequence.
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.
- Rejection of Divine Communication: The act of despising frequently extends to God's direct communication, whether through His prophets or His word. This rejection is not merely disagreement but a scornful dismissal that ultimately provokes divine wrath, as when the people "despised his words, and misused his prophets" 2 Chronicles 36:16 or when one "despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment" Numbers 15:31.
The Hebrew verb H959 bâzâh encapsulates a powerful and destructive form of contempt, signifying not just dislike, but an active devaluation and dismissal of worth. It describes a deep-seated scorn that judges something or someone as trifling, insignificant, or beneath consideration, often originating from a perverse heart. This contempt can be directed at the highest authorities, such as God's name, commandments, or covenants, as seen in the priests of Malachi or David's sin, leading to severe divine judgment.
H959 frequently marks the vulnerability of individuals perceived as weak, young, or lacking worldly status, as demonstrated by Goliath's disdain for David or the contempt shown towards Saul. It highlights how human pride and prejudice often lead to the active rejection of those deemed insignificant, including the suffering servant of Isaiah and the wise poor man. The semantic field of H959 is further enriched by words like H936 bûwz, reinforcing the idea of a scornful disregard.
The theological weight of bâzâh is profound, revealing the gravity of scorning divine authority and communication. Despising God's holy things, His words, or His prophets is presented as a direct affront that invites divine retribution. Yet, in contrast to human contempt, the Scripture consistently affirms that God does not despise the brokenhearted, the afflicted, or the prayers of the destitute, revealing His compassionate nature towards the humble. Ultimately, H959 serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual danger inherent in devaluing what God esteems, and the certainty of judgment for those who choose to despise His ways.
TRV