The Hebrew word bizzâyôwn, represented by H963, means disesteem or contempt. Derived from the root בָּזָה, this specific term is exceedingly rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular usage provides a focused look at the concept of contempt as a response to a perceived challenge to authority.
The sole appearance of H963 is in the book of Esther. In this context, the king's advisors are discussing the potential fallout from Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before the king. They fear that when the other noble women, the ladies H8282 of Persia and Media, heard H8085 of the queen's deed, it would cause them to view their own husbands with contempt H963. This disrespect, they predict, would in turn lead to widespread wrath H7110 from the husbands Esther 1:18.
The context of H963 connects it to several other important Hebrew words:
- H7110 qetseph (a splinter; figuratively, rage or strife; foam, indignation, sore, wrath): This word is used in direct conjunction with H963 in Esther 1:18. It signifies the anger and strife that are expected to arise as a result of the contempt. This word can describe both God's wrath Jeremiah 10:10 and human indignation.
- H8085 shâmaʻ (to hear intelligently): The crisis described in Esther is triggered because the ladies have heard of the queen's actions. The word implies more than just hearing; it suggests intelligent perception that can lead to a change in behavior, such as the obedience called for in 1 Samuel 15:22.
- H8282 sârâh (a mistress, i.e. female noble; lady, princess, queen): These are the women who are expected to show contempt. The term denotes women of high social standing, such as the wives of Solomon 1 Kings 11:3, making their potential disrespect a significant threat to the social order.
- H559 ʼâmar (to say): The advisors anticipate that the ladies will say things that reflect their newfound contempt Esther 1:18. This word is used for both human speech and for God's definitive pronouncements Isaiah 48:17.
Though used only once, the theological and social implications of H963 are clear in its context.
- Threat to Authority: The fear of contempt is fundamentally a fear of the breakdown of established social and household authority. The narrative in Esther uses this moment to underscore the importance of respect within a hierarchical structure.
- Action and Consequence: The verse Esther 1:18 presents a direct chain of events: an action is heard H8085, leading to contempt H963, which in turn is predicted to cause wrath H7110. This demonstrates a principle where disrespect breeds conflict.
- The Nature of Wrath: By being paired with qetseph H7110, the concept of contempt is shown to be a powerful catalyst for rage and strife. It is not a passive feeling but an active form of disesteem that provokes a strong reaction.
In summary, bizzâyôwn H963 offers a concise but potent illustration of contempt. Its single occurrence in scripture is memorable, highlighting how a perceived act of defiance can be seen as a threat to social order, sparking widespread disesteem and leading directly to wrath and conflict. It serves as a powerful example of how a single word can capture the seed of social discord.
TRV