English · KJV
H960

בָּזֹה

bâzôh /baw-zo'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom בָּזָה
Meaningscorned
KJV usagedespise.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of bâzôh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word bâzôh, represented by H960, means scorned or to despise. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular use highlights a specific and powerful form of contempt directed at a figure chosen by God.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H960 is in a significant prophecy in Isaiah 49:7. The word is used to describe an individual whom "man" (despiseth). This figure, also identified as one whom the nation "abhorreth" and a "servant of rulers," is prophesied to be exalted to the point where kings and princes (H8269) will see and worship him. The context starkly contrasts profound human rejection with ultimate divine vindication.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words in the context of Isaiah 49:7 clarify the scope of this despising:

  • H5315 nephesh: Defined as a breathing creature... soul, it is translated as "man" in this passage, identifying the source of the contempt Isaiah 49:7. The term is often used to refer to the inner person, mind, or soul Deuteronomy 6:5.
  • H8269 sar: This word means a head person... prince(-ipal), ruler. In contrast to being despised, the subject of this prophecy will be worshipped by these very princes Isaiah 49:7. The term can refer to civic leaders or even a messianic figure, the "Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6.
  • H8581 taʻâb: Meaning to loathe or morally detest, this word is used in direct parallel to H960 to describe how the nation "abhorreth" this individual Isaiah 49:7. It signifies a deep, moral revulsion, often directed at what is considered abominable Psalms 14:1.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H960 is concentrated in its single, prophetic use. It highlights a core biblical theme: divine exaltation following human rejection.

  • Prophetic Suffering: The word despise establishes the suffering and humiliation of a specific servant figure chosen by God. This figure is scorned by mankind (H5315) and abhorred by the nation Isaiah 49:7.
  • Divine Vindication: The contempt described by H960 is not the final word. The prophecy declares that the LORD, the "Redeemer of Israel," will elevate this servant to a position where even the highest earthly rulers (H8269) will worship him Isaiah 49:7.
  • Contrast in Judgment: The term sharply contrasts humanity's flawed judgment with God's perfect and faithful choice. What man despises, God chooses and makes holy.

Summary

In summary, while bâzôh H960 is used only once, its meaning of being scorned or despised is pivotal. Its appearance in Isaiah 49:7 encapsulates the profound biblical paradox of a divinely chosen servant who endures ultimate human contempt only to receive ultimate divine honor, compelling even kings and princes to acknowledge his chosen status.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • בְזֹה

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H8269 שַׂר from שָׂרַר; a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, H5315 נֶפֶשׁ from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accomm H8581 תַּעָב a primitive root; to loathe, i.e. (morally) detest; (make to be) abhor(-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable(-y), [idi

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Isaiah — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.