### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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